02/06/2024 
Amphimax 350
12:00 - 13:00
Les Mystères de l’UNIL offer a unique opportunity to explore the behind-the-scenes of research. Each year, scientists from all faculties of the University of Lausanne (UNIL) come together around a common theme to introduce their fields of study to thousands of curious visitors. This year, UNIL invites the public to explore the Earth. This event features unprecedented encounters, co-produced and hosted by 24 Heures, where experts will discuss their research and discoveries. Professor Erica Van de Waal will be in the spotlight and will participate in a roundtable titled “Monkeys, our closest cousins.”
Monkeys, our closest cousins
Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka, a veterinarian and founder of Conservation Through Public Health (CTPH), began working in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park in 1996. At that time, the mountain gorilla population was in decline due to climate change, diseases, and human activities. Thanks to her innovative approach, Gladys has helped improve the situation of these animals. She will share her experience and passion for these creatures, whose genetic heritage is more than 98% identical to ours.
Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka will be in conversation with Erica Van de Waal, a primatologist at the Department of Ecology and Evolution of the Faculty of Biology and Medicine at UNIL, and Thibaud Gruber, an assistant professor at the Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences at the University of Geneva. This discussion will be moderated by Marion de Vevey, a science journalist at Unicom. This event allows the public to meet specialists and better understand the current research challenges concerning our closest cousins in the animal kingdom.