Jane Goodall

Dr. Jane Goodall is known worldwide for her groundbreaking scientific work studying chimpanzee society, which began in Africa in 1960.

She received the 2021 Templeton Prize in celebration of her remarkable career, which arose from and was sustained by a keen scientific and spiritual curiosity. Her groundbreaking discoveries have changed humanity’s understanding of its role in an interconnected world, and her advocacy has pointed to a greater purpose for our species in caring for life on this planet. She founded the Jane Goodall Institute in 1977 to continue her work to study and protect chimpanzees while also improving the lives of local communities through education and training. Through her organizations, she has saved thousands of animals and inspired millions of people around the world to take action in their communities. “I have learned more about the two sides of human nature, and I am convinced that there are more good than bad people,” said Dr. Jane Goodall, in her acceptance statement for the Templeton Prize. “There are so many tackling seemingly impossible tasks and succeeding. Only when head and heart work in harmony can we attain our true human potential.” (Banner photo of Jane Goodall in Bournemouth, England, Spring 2021 by Tim Cole for the Templeton Prize. Gallery photos of Jane Goodall by Tim Cole for the Templeton Prize and courtesy of the Jane Goodall Institute. )