Yet in this Insights interview, Haile-Selassie is critical that the study of ancient humans still fails to acknowledge and support the fundamental role of African scientists and institutions. Western scientists can’t continue this ‘helicoptering in and out’ approach to fossil discovery. A lot of African countries have realised this and, unless we act fast, they’re probably going to tighten up who should be allowed to do research in their countries. Many of the fossils that made western scientists famous were actually found by local Africans, who were only acknowledged at the end of a scientific publication. We need a firm foundation established, so the next generation of African scientists doesn’t have to deal with issues, like lack of infrastructure, that we faced.

Source: Ethiopian News November 22, 2024 11:49 UTC