Scales of Change: Human Traces towards a Synthesis in Africa

The aim of this workshop is to initiate a regional and continental synthesis of Human Traces research in Africa, addressing a major gap in current knowledge while fostering pan-African collaboration and networking. A key component of the event will be a summer school, designed to train and support the next generation of researchers, with a particular focus on data acquisition and analytical approaches to human traces in sediments. The summer school will include lectures by members of the Scientific Steering Committee as well as regional experts, introducing participants to state-of-the-art methods for studying human traces in natural archives. Graduate students will also have the opportunity to present their  research through oral or poster presentations, including projects at an early or proposal stage.

This workshop will provide an excellent opportunity for IAS members—especially student members—to engage directly with an emerging international network, gain hands-on training and mentorship, and strengthen their visibility and professional connections within the sedimentology community. The associated the field trip will allow participants to explore the palaeo-sediments of the Central Kenya Rift, with specific stops within the Lake Naivasha–Elementaita–Nakuru basin.

IAS Student Travel grants are available. The closing date is 17th April 2026. Please see the guidelines here and apply via your IAS member dashboard.