Cheese and Chats: How one fossil redefined humanity
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.
Event details
Date: Monday 18 August 2025
Time: 5:45–7:30pm
Venue: The Atrium, UQ Brisbane City, 308 Queen Street, Brisbane
Cost: $40 (includes a cheese box with tasting notes and one standard drink).
Enjoy light refreshments and a cash bar at the heritage-listed Atrium in Brisbane CBD.
Limited tickets available. We hope to see you there.
About Alumni and community events
UQ alumni and community events take place in-person and online, across the globe, throughout the year. UQ alumni are invited to join the UQ ChangeMakers platform to access early event registrations, benefits and discounts.
