Bernard Price Institute for Palaeontological Research (now Evolutionary Studies Institute)

Situated within the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), Braamfontein, Johannesburg.

Founded in 1945 using funding from engineer and philanthropist Dr Bernard Price, originally focusing on geophysics before becoming a dedicated paleontology institute under the leadership of Dr Robert Broom and James Kitching
In 2013, it was renamed the Evolutionary Studies Institute (ESI) to reflect its expanded scope, including paleoanthropology and archaeology
Research & Collections
Houses Africa’s largest fossil collection, including Karoo reptiles and Plio‑Pleistocene mammals, plus an extensive paleobotany herbarium.

Why Visit or Collaborate?
A premier African centre for fossil research and conservation.
Offers hands-on educational experiences through its gallery and labs.
Ideal for researchers, students, educators, and palaeontology enthusiasts.

Quick Facts
Established 1945 (as BPI)
Renamed 2013 (ESI)
Collections Fossil vertebrates, plants, hominins
Facilities CT, VR, SEM access
Publications Palaeontologia africana
Academic Programs BSc (Hons), MSc, PhD

Research spans:
Karo
Dinosaur phylogenetics
Hominin fossils from the Cradle of Humankind
Publishes the journal Palaeontologia afri­cana since 1953

Facilities & Academic Programmes
Equipped with micro‑CT scanner, 3D printer, VR lab, fossil preparation workshops, and access to SEM and geochemical labs
Offers BSc (Hons), MSc, and PhD training in palaeontology, archaeology, and related fields. Engages ~30 postgraduate students
Strong international research collaborations and active editorial contributions to global palaeoscience

Historical Highlights
Pioneered by fossils collected in the first fieldtrip by James Kitching in 1945, which led to expanded funding and collection scope
Associated with major fossil discoveries, including hominin-rich sites like Sterkfontein, Makapansgat, Rising Star, Blombos, and others

Directors like Bruce Rubidge continued the legacy until 2016; current Director is Prof Marion Bamford
Public Access & Museum
Located in the Geosciences and Palaeosciences Centre, East Campus, Wits.

James Kitching Fossil Gallery exhibits life-size reconstructions (“Fang” & “Fred”) and hosts live fossil preparation demos
Offers guided educational tours (booking essential)

Contact 

Director
Prof Marion Bamford
Tel: +27 (0)11 717 6690
Email: marion.bamford@wits.ac.za

General & Admissions
General enquiries: +27 (0)11 717 1000
Admissions: +27 (0)11 717 1888

Address: Evolutionary Studies Institute, Geosciences Building (East Campus)
Jan Smuts Ave, Braamfontein, Johannesburg 2000, South Africa