NEWSFEED

2007

ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA

(RHOI-supported) The Paleobotany laboratory at Addis Ababa University, an RHOI infrastructure project led by Dr. Mohammed Umer, was opened on the university campus and is processing a variety of paleobotanical remains. The facility is expected to host an upcoming Paleobotany Working Group meeting scheduled for next summer, in conjunction with the East African Quaternary Association Meeting.

Dr. Mohammed Umer in the Paleobotany laboratory.

2005

N'DJAMENA, CHAD

(RHOI-supported) In November of 2004, a Department of Paleontology was created at the University of N’Djamena, headed by Dr. Mackaye (see photo below). A new research building was erected and officially inaugurated on October 18, 2005 by the Chadian Ministry of Research, the French Ambassador, and Dr. Michel Brunet. Funds for some of the new department’s equipment (solar panels, desks, chairs, cabinets, shelves, computers, and a laser printer) was provided by the RHOI. The new building and equipment will accelerate paleontological research in Chad.

(Image: Fabrice Lihoreau)

2006

YUNNAN, CHINA

(RHOI-supported) The Yunnan Institute of Cultural Relics and Archaeology, headed by Dr. Xueping Ji, has recently used RHOI funds to purchase cabinets, shelves, computing equipment, and a digital camera for its laboratory. Future plans include the establishment of a technician training program for fossil preparation and cast making.

Yunnan, China (Image: Xueping JI)

2005

N'DJAMENA, CHAD

(RHOI-supported) In November of 2004, a Department of Paleontology was created at the University of N’Djamena, headed by Dr. Mackaye (see photo below). A new research building was erected and officially inaugurated on October 18, 2005 by the Chadian Ministry of Research, the French Ambassador, and Dr. Michel Brunet. Funds for some of the new department’s equipment (solar panels, desks, chairs, cabinets, shelves, computers, and a laser printer) was provided by the RHOI. The new building and equipment will accelerate paleontological research in Chad.

(Image: Fabrice Lihoreau)

2004

ADDIS ABABA, ETHIOPIA

(RHOI-supported) A conference devoted to paleotourism commenced at the National Museum of Ethiopia. A distinguished group of scientists, government officials, and specialists, including B. Asfaw, T. White, Y. Beyene, and W. Kimbel, presented information on the importance of prehistoric resources and discussed practical means of incorporating such resources into tour programs. Attendants received a tour of research areas of the museum, an introduction to the work taking place there, and an on-location introduction to the sites of Gadamota and Melke-Kunture. Over 50 tour operators and guides attended the meeting, which was funded by RHOI/NSF.

NATIONAL MUSEUMS OF KENYA, KENYA

(RHOI-supported) The National Museum of Kenya has used RHOI funding to install a TCP/IP network with 24 data ports and a server computer. These ports are now available for researchers working in the museum to access the internet. Samuel Muteti has been appointed to administer the network. link