Jackson Kundasai Njau

The Eastern African Association for Paleoanthropology and Paleontology (EAAPP) is an organization of scholars whose objective is to bring together local and international researchers working in the region by providing a forum to exchange ideas and share scientific results and knowledge in light of current advances in science. The next biennial EAAPP conference will be held in Arusha, Tanzania in summer 2022. Since most African scholars do not have funding access to attend international conferences overseas, this grant will enable them to participate ad present their original research at an international arena – but in a familiar, accessible environment. The conference will give local scholars the opportunity to connect professionally with foreign scientists and forge potential collaborations. Over the last decade, we have successfully rotated the conference to reach local communities in three hominin hot-spot countries (Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania). EAAPP has captivated strong public interest in anthropology and inspired African scholars to be involved in paleoanthropological research. EAAPP conferences have stimulated research cooperation among research groups and instilled public awareness in the subject of human evolution. We have inspired young African scholars to take leadership roles in research and curatorial management in Africa; others have pursued graduate studies overseas.