Congo Basin Institute - CBI, Cameroon

02/10/2025

We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Jane Goodall at age 91—a visionary primatologist, conservationist, and global voice for the natural world. Over more than six decades, she transformed how humanity understands chimpanzees, revealing their tool use, emotional lives, and social complexity. Her pioneering spirit inspired generations of scientists, conservationists, and dreamers to see our kinship with all living beings and to act as stewards of Earth.

Today, we remember that legacy—and in her honor, we reaffirm our commitment to science, compassion, and conservation.
“We honor the legendary Primatologist, Jane Goodall who passed today at the age of 91. Pictured here with Dr Kevin Njabo in Budapest in 2005 during the World Science Forum.”

Her life reminds us that one person’s steadfast curiosity, courage, and care can ripple through time and across continents—transforming not just our understanding of nature, but how we live with it.

29/08/2025

Essential reading for conservation professionals and policy makers.

In 2017, when Vincent Deblauwe joined the Cameroon-based Congo Basin Institute (CBI) to study African ebony (Diospyros crassiflora) — economically valuable pitch-black, dense wood — the Indigenous Baka people accompanied him on his field trips. As they sat around campfires and trekked through th...

29/08/2025

New publication from CBI scientists: “Declines of ebony and ivory are inextricably linked in an African rainforest.” The study, led by Vincent Deblauwe, shows how the loss of forest elephants threatens the regeneration of ebony trees—highlighting the deep ecological connections between fauna and flora in the Congo Basin.
📖 Read the article:

Loss of critically endangered forest elephants reduce the regeneration of a threatened species of ebony tree.

12/07/2025

At first glance, it’s easy to dismiss the ecological significance of Mbalmayo Forest Reserve in southern Cameroon, one of several degraded forest patches scattered across the country. Located on the outskirts of the town of Mbalmayo, about 50 kilometers (30 miles) from the country’s capital, Yao...

11/06/2025

A Legacy of Conservation in Cameroon Research, community and mentorship driving biodiversity protection
In May 2025, members of the Texas A&M AgriLife Visual Media team embarked on a three-week journey through Cameroon — an immersive expedition rooted in field research, environmental education and a deeper understanding of conservation alongside experts in the field. At the heart of this trip was Katy Gonder, Ph.D., an evolutionary biologist and head of the Texas A&M Department of Ecology and Conservation Biology, Bryan-College Station. Her work has shaped not only our understanding of chimpanzee evolution in Central and West Africa but also how research can meaningfully engage with the communities living alongside biodiversity.

From the team’s first steps in Yaoundé to the forest trails and winding river leading to the Gangah Research Station in Mbam & Djerem National Park, we followed the path of Gonder’s legacy. Along the way, we met the people — students, scientists, educators and wildlife protectors — who now carry that legacy forward. This is the story of what happens when science steps out of the lab and into the hands of people committed to protecting it.

09/06/2025

Apply Now for the Aspire Grant Program 2025 by CARN.
Secure a competitive research grant of up to $5,000 USD to support your impactful work.
Visit our website for detailed information and to submit your application. https://conservationactionresearch.net/aspire-grant-program
Deadline: June 11, 2025

The Aspire Grant Program application period is now open. Submit your application in your preferred language by June 11, 2025

11/05/2025

Accommodation and Research Facilitation in Cameroon
The University of California Los Angeles (UCLA) and the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) are leading a multi-institutional initiative to develop the Congo Basin Institute as a model for how universities, NGOs, and private businesses can partner in international development. Accommodation facilities are available for all researchers (local and international) planning to visit Cameroon at the *Center for Tropical Research Cameroon (CTR-CAM) in Bastos with 24-hour security. CTR-CAM also helps with facilitating research permits*. For more information, contact *Ms Ruth Nsang at Email: [email protected] or Phone: +237-697329791 and visit the website: http://www.cbi.ucla.edu*
Please note that this is not a hotel, so we only encourage researchers and those working with charity organizations to stay here while in Yaoundé. It’s also a great opportunity to interact with other researchers in your field. Please spread the word.

18/04/2025

Nous avons le plaisir de vous partager deux annonces du One Forest Vision initiative susceptibles d’intéresser vos réseaux. Ces dispositifs visent à soutenir la recherche et à encourager les dynamiques scientifiques locales :

-Appel à Projets de Recherche au Congo
Un appel à projets de recherche est actuellement ouvert pour le Congo. Vous trouverez tous les détails et modalités de participation via le lien suivant : https://www.oneforestvision.org/offres-et-appels/appels-a-projets-de-recherche-en-partenariat-entre-le-congo-et-la-france
Deadline : 23 mai 2025

-Appel à Candidatures – Thèses et Post-doctorats au Gabon
Par ailleurs, un appel à candidatures pour des projets de thèses et post-doctorats au Gabon. Vous trouverez tous les détails et modalités de participation via le lien suivant : https://www.oneforestvision.org/offres-et-appels/appel-a-candidatures-bourses-de-recherche-gabon-france
Deadline : 31 mai 2025

L’initiative One Forest Vision ouvre son appel à candidatures pour des bourses de doctorat et/ou de post-doctorat, dans le cadre de projets de recherche menés e...

14/04/2025

The CARN ASPIRE Grant Program is providing competitive research grants of up to $5,000 USD for African graduate students and early career professionals working in biodiversity, conservation, and environmental sustainability in the Congo Basin. The deadline for applications is June 11, 2025. Review eligibility requirements, learn more and apply here: https://conservationactionresearch.net/aspire-grant-program

27/01/2025

SBU News: PhD student Florence Aghomo wins the Young Women in Conservation Biology Award
Stony Brook University has announced that doctoral student Florence Aghomo won the Young Women in Conservation Biology (YWCB) Award from the Society for Conservation Biology (SCB) Africa Region. Aghomo is a doctoral student in the Interdepartmental Doctoral Program in Anthropological Sciences (IDPAS) and a member of the Institute for the Conservation of Tropical Environments (ICTE) under the supervision of State University of New York (SUNY) and Stony Brook Distinguished Service Professor Patricia C. Wright.

SBU News: PhD student Florence Aghomo wins the Young Women in Conservation Biology Award AnimalsArts & EntertainmentCommunitycontestStony BrookStony Brook UniversityVillage Times Herald by Press Release - December 23, 2024 0 682 Florence Aghomo Stony Brook University has announced that doctoral stud...

23/01/2025

Exciting opportunity from the Congo Basin Science Initiative (CBSI)!
Fully Funded MSc & PhD Scholarships starting Sep 2025
:Join the 1st cohort of CBSI grad student researchers
Open to natls of Cameroon, DRC, Gabon, and Rep of Congo
Due 28 Feb 2025

Discover CBSI Scholarships: funding opportunities for science students focused on the Congo Basin. Explore now...

09/01/2025

Full-time Lecturer position in Wildlife and Fisheries Biology - University of Vermont
The Rubenstein School of Environment and Natural Resources at the University of Vermont welcomes applicants for a full-time, 9-month, Lecturer in Terrestrial Wildlife Ecology. We are looking for candidates with applied skills relevant to terrestrial wildlife ecology (e.g., conservation biology, wildlife habitat management, wildlife population ecology, human-wildlife interactions), experience in undergraduate instruction, and a passion for student mentoring. This position is an exciting opportunity to train the next generation of environmental leaders with a community focused on providing a high-quality, student centered program where students learn professional skills and disciplinary methodologies to tackle complex environmental issues.
Applicants should have a Ph.D. in wildlife and fisheries biology, conservation biology, environmental science, natural resources, or related discipline by May 2025.
Review of applications will begin on 17 January 2025
Apply on the UVM Jobs website: https://www.uvmjobs.com/postings/77335
Feel free to contact Allan Strong with questions
[email protected]

Officers of Instruction - Non-Tenure Track