July 21-22 2026

2nd International Colloquium on Paleoanthropology in Chad

25th anniversary of the discovery of Toumaï

Topic : « Africa at the heart of human history: cross-readings of the paleontological and geological records »
Lieu : N’Djaména – Republic of Chad

Context and justification

Since the discovery in 1995 of Australopithecus bahrelghazali (Abel), followed in 2001 by Sahelanthropus tchadensis (Toumaï), Chad has established itself as a key region in the history of human evolution. These exceptional discoveries have profoundly strengthened the country’s position in global scientific research. They have given Chad:

lasting international scientific recognition;
universal heritage legitimacy ;
a strategic lever for scientific and cultural diplomacy.

The scientific momentum led by the University of N’Djamena and the National Research Center for Development (CNRD), in partnership with leading institutions such as the University of Poitiers and the CNRS, has firmly established Chad within international research networks in paleoanthropology.

The first international colloquium, held in 2011 in N’Djamena under the High Patronage of the late Marshal Idriss Déby Itno, marked a major milestone in the promotion of this scientific heritage. In 2026, the commemoration of the 25th anniversary of the discovery of Toumaï represents a major scientific, political, and diplomatic opportunity to organize a second international colloquium aimed at consolidating and expanding this momentum.

This conference addresses several strategic issues:

To reaffirm Chad’s scientific leadership in Africa and internationally in the field of paleoanthropology;
To embed paleontological research within national priorities for scientific sovereignty;
To strengthen Chad’s image as a land of history, knowledge, and research;
To promote international scientific cooperation and knowledge sharing;
To promote the integration of early-career researchers into international scientific networks.

Deadline for abstract submissions : including May 31, 2026

Acceptance notification to authors : including June 15, 2026

Receipt of full papers : including July 5, 2026
Colloquium dates : including July 21 et 22, 2026

Target audience

This conference is intended for academic staff and researchers, students and development partners, as well as professionals from consulting firms involved in these fields.

Languages of Colloquium

The official languages of this conference are French and English.

Scientific committee

Président : Dr Likius Andossa (MC)
Vice-Président : Dr Franck Guy
Rapporteurs :

– Dr Moussa Aderamane (MC)
– Prof Florence Sylvestre
– Dr Mahamat Nour Abdallah (MC)

Membres :

– Prof Olga Otero
– Prof Gildas Merceron
– Dr Nekoulnang Djetounako (MR)
– Dr Mackaye Hassane Taisso (MC)
– Prof MATHIEU SCHUSTER
– Dr TEKOUM LEONTINE (MA)
– Dr Cécile Blondel
– Prof Jean-François Ghienne