CICASP | Center for International Collaboration and Advanced Studies in Primatology

The 18th International Primatology Lecture, titled “In Search of Our Inner Ape”, will be a conversation with Prof. Frans de Waal on his ethological approach to studying the behavior of bonobos, chimpanzees, and other primates, and his popular books about politics, morality, emotions, intelligence, and gender.

About the speaker: Dr. Frans B. M. de Waal is a Dutch/American biologist and primatologist known for his work on the behavior and social intelligence of primates. His first book, Chimpanzee Politics (1982), compared the schmoozing and scheming of chimpanzees involved in power struggles with that of human politicians. His scientific work has been published in hundreds of technical articles in journals such as Science, Nature, Scientific American, and outlets specialized in animal behavior. His popular books—translated into 20+ languages—have made him one of the world's most visible primatologists. His latest books are Mama’s Last Hug (Norton, 2019) and Different: Gender Through the Eyes of. Primatologist (Norton, 2022).

Dr. De Waal is C. H. Candler Professor Emeritus at Emory University and Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Utrecht University. He has been elected to the (US) National Academy of Sciences as well as the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences. In 2007, Time declared him one of The Worlds’ 100 Most Influential People Today.

[Banner image: Reconciliation of two male chimpanzees, Nikkie and Luit, at Burger's Zoo, Netherlands (courtesy of F. de Waal)]

Livestream on CICASP YouTube Channel

Date: Wednesday, January 18, 2023

Time: 10:00 Japan Standard Time (GMT+9)

International Primatology Lectures on Past, Present and Future Perspectives of the Field

In this lecture series, we explore various origin stories as told by famed members of our primatology comunity. Most lectures are live-streamed and archived on our CICASP YouTube Channel.

Unlike most academic lectures, which are usually focused on testing scientific hypotheses, this series is designed to offer a feel for how one becomes a professional in the field of primatology. In a way, we might think of it as a career primer for young primatologists just starting their own journeys into the nether regions of Academia. At the same time, anyone might enjoy the stories told of big dreams, exotic locations and species, and the humanity inherent in forging a new path in life and in work. 

Check out all videos in this series on our CICASP YouTube channel playlist, and follow us on Facebook and Twitter to keep up with all our activities.