Which scientist has studied the social and family interactions of chimpanzees for six decades?

Dr. Jane Goodall (born April 3, 1934) is an English primatologist and anthropologist. She is recognized as the world’s foremost expert on chimpanzees, having spent six decades of her life studying the social and family interactions of wild chimpanzees since she first went to Gombe Stream National Park in Tanzania in 1960.

She followed her passion for wildlife and under the mentorship of paleoanthropologist Dr. Louis Leakey (1903-1972), she began her landmark study of chimpanzees in the wild. Her revelatory observations in 1960 that chimpanzees mark and use tools, rocked the scientific landscape and forever redefined our understanding of the relationships between humans and animals.

In 1977, Dr. Goodall established the Jane Goodall Institute, a global community-led conservation, research, and animal welfare organization to advance her vision of a better future for all. From scientist to world-renowned activist, she has been a leader in the community-led-conservation and animal welfare movements for decades.

She has received numerous honors and awards for her environmental and humanitarian work. In April 2002, she was named a United Nations Messenger of Peace.

She has published a variety of books for adults and children and has been the subject of more than 40 films. Most recently, on January 28, 2021, she took part in a panel event of international experts called ‘Climate Change: Why should we care?’ that was organized by the Science Museum Group.