Sebastían Ramírez Amaya Award for Fieldwork in Primatology

Purpose and description of the Award

In 2022, the International Primatological Society created an award in memory of Colombian primatologist Sebastían Ramírez Amaya. Sebastian was trained as a biologist at Los Andes University in Colombia, and after graduation conducted fieldwork on spider monkeys in Colombia and chimpanzees in Tanzania. His interest in the evolution of non-human primates’ social and mating systems eventually brought him to pursue his PhD in evolutionary anthropology, studying the social relationships and reproduction of male and female chimpanzees at the

Ngogo study site in Kibale National Park, Uganda. He died in a tragic accident while conducting fieldwork for his Ph.D dissertation on April 10, 2022.

Sebastían was acutely aware of the challenges faced by young scholars from developing countries in pursuing primatological fieldwork . In honor of Sebastian and his passion for primate research and conservation, this grant is open to graduate students who seek support for conducting fieldwork on primates in their natural habitats. By primarily targeting scholars from developing countries, this award aims to encourage young researchers in primatology to pursue their professional dreams and contribute to primate research and conservation.

Eligibility

The applicant must be:

• Enrolled in a Master’s or Ph.D program

• Conducting or planning to conduct fieldwork on the behavior or conservation of primates living in their natural habitat

• From a developing country. Secondary consideration will be given to applicants from developed countries that identify as ethnic, sexual, or other underrepresented/historically marginalized minorities.