A unique opportunity

During their stay in Tanzania, undergraduates and postgraduates participating in THOR field-workshops have the opportunity to be involved in our scientific activities, but also in teaching and lab activities held by Italian and Tanzanian researchers.

These activities take place largely in the amazing setting of Leakey Camp, which today is divided into two parts: the Dr. Mary Leakey Living Museum and the area dedicated to research and education with facilities built and managed by the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority and research groups from all over the world.

What our students do

Students from several Italian Universities and from the University of Dar es Salaam attend a field school of approximately 2 weeks, during which they participate in classroom and field lessons and lab sessions that include:

  • Vertebrate paleontology: fundamentals of systematics, phylogeny and paleoecology
  • Vertebrate osteology and comparative anatomy
  • Archeology and experimental archeology
  • Taphonomy
  • Geology and geoarcheology
  • 3D modeling and topography
  • Ecology and biogeography
  • Wildlife illustration and photography, paleoart

Our teaching sessions are always associated with trips to nearby sites of outstanding ecological, geological, paleontological or archeological significance, such as Ngorongoro Crater, Lakes Ndutu and Masek, Nasera Rock, Lake Manyara National Park.

Capacity building and cooperation

THOR projects do not only look at research and education, but also at staff capacity building and at cooperation. Local workers, experienced students and members of the Maasai Community are always actively involved in our activities. During our stay at Leakey Camp, we always try to set up a small medical center for emergencies.

Furthermore, we regularly organize training courses for locals and personnel of the protected area, in agreement with the Ngorongoro Conservation Area Authority and Antiquities Division.

Culture does not exist without mutual exchange.

Want to get involved?

Perugia : +390755852626

info@thorproject.it

Department of Physics and Geology
University of Perugia
Via A. Pascoli – 06123 Perugia, Italy