Human Evolution Research

Panoramic view of the archaeological site Olorgesailie, Kenya with nine individuals excavating and looking at the mountains

Smithsonian Human Origins Program & Field Research

The Smithsonian’s Human Origins Program conducts field and lab research on the evolution of early human adaptations. Our key research partners are in East Africa and East Asia – especially in Kenya, China, and Indonesia. Our digs and studies in these regions, along with investigations by associates working in Ethiopia, Tanzania, India, Mozambique, among other countries, help generate scientific data on the long-term interaction of human ancestors with their surroundings. Curiosity about human origins drives our research. The research supports our effort to bring the latest findings to public audiences worldwide.

Illustration of multiple footprints moving towards an erupting volcano

Climate and Human Evolution

Explore how environment change influenced evolution, and how dramatic climate instability over the past 6 million years may have shaped human adaptations.

Top portion containing browridges of cranium skull of an early human ancestor on a solid background

East African Research Projects

The Human Origins Program has been conducting research in East Africa for over 25 years. Read about some of our current field projects, focused in Kenya, here.

Three teketites on the right and a handaxe on the left, from Bose, China

Asian Research Projects

The Human Origins Program conducts research at a variety of sites in Asia, currently with a focus in China and Indonesia. Read about the earliest humans in China, 'hobbits' of Indonesia, and other research projects here.

Animal jawbone teeth sunk into skull

Fossil Forensics: Interactive

Scientists can study fossil bones to find clues about how early humans lived and died, and the variety of dangers they faced. Fossil animal bones can also reveal evidence of the meat-eating habits of early humans - and their competitors for animal prey, the large carnivores.

Choose a fossil bone specimen to see what scientists have learned about it by examining it up close, sometimes even under a microscope.

New Technology for Old Fossils.pdf

Members of the Human Origins Program team describe how they use cutting-edge technology in their scientific investigations.