Suffolk Reporter

Dino Martins, a Kenyan entomologist and evolutionary biologist, assumed the role of director at Stony Brook University’s Turkana Basin Institute in September. He succeeded Lawrence Martin, who had been leading the institute since 2007. Martins has been affiliated with the institute since 2011 and became CEO of TBI (Kenya) Ltd. in 2022.

Martins aims to spearhead research on human civilization's origins, contemporary challenges, and future planetary changes. Reflecting on climate change's impact on human history, he noted that "climate change has been a critical part of human evolution." The Turkana Basin provides valuable insights into historical climate patterns through its fossil records.

Discussing the basin's significance, Martins stated that it offers "over a hundred million years worth of evidence," including early humans and more recent lineages. The region allows scientists to study adaptation to varying climates over time. Martins emphasized that "we have one of the best records of past climate" due to geological studies around Lake Turkana.

The sediments in the basin allow for precise reconstructions of past climates, helping researchers understand historical changes and predict future challenges. Martins pointed out that humans' adaptability is tied to their social nature: "Our care and compassion for each other is important."

Regarding lessons from these climatic shifts, he highlighted cooperation among species as crucial for survival under harsh conditions. Rapid environmental changes pose significant adaptation challenges globally.

Martins underscored the importance of collaborative climate research between Stony Brook University and the Turkana Basin Institute: "Climate change is one of the most challenging and exciting intellectual questions that we currently face." He praised ongoing interdisciplinary initiatives at Stony Brook for addressing these issues.

Founded by Dr. Richard Leakey, a prominent paleontologist and conservationist, the institute hosts about 200 scientists worldwide focusing on diverse fields such as paleontology, archaeology, geology, climate studies, biodiversity conservation, and sustainability.

For further information about current projects at Turkana Basin Institute, visit turkanabasin.org