2025 marks the centenary of UQ alumnus Professor Raymond Dart’s groundbreaking publication in Nature announcing the discovery of Australopithecus africanus. The Taung Child fossil, unearthed in South Africa in 1924, provided the first compelling evidence that human evolution began in Africa. Dart’s bold claim challenged the scientific consensus of the time and sparked decades of debate, ultimately reshaping our understanding of humanity’s origins.

Join us for an evening of thought-provoking conversation as we explore how this single fossil reshaped our understanding of humanity’s origins.

Hear from leading UQ researchers in archaeology, vertebrate palaeoecology, geochronology and zooarchaeology. UQ researchers Professor Michael Westaway, Associate Professor Dr Gilbert Price, and Associate Professor Tiina Manne, with opening remarks by Benny Bol OAM.