Dame Jane Goodall

[Sir William]

Did anyone know she was still doing her research?  I admit to thinking she'd passed away (that was Dian Fossey, tho) - for those of us who do not know, Dame Goodall is the premier primatologist in the world; her research on chimpanzees has changed the way science and the lay community-at-large see these noble primates.

I make mention of her because I just viewed her talk on hope, that is - The Reason for Hope - The Way Ahead - and she talks at length about her days as a researcher and the dangers and delights she's witnessed over the years.  She did a one hour symposium at my job today so I got to view it on videocast...I just wanted to share (not the video, I'm unable to as its blocked from public access) as I find it interesting and engaging to listen to someone that I grew up learning and knowing about but never had a real clue as to what she was about or what she does and did.

For instance, did you know that she's trained chimps to recognize over 400 signs in ASL?  Or that they are quite proficient in computers w/touch pads and tools as well.  Wild stuff, eh?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jane_Goodall

[Sir James A]

I've seen the sign language, but not the computers. I thought she was long since "retired", though. The computers thing is pretty wild.

We need to get her together with the girl who trained the cow to jump. Cow armies may just be possible! (if anyone gets the diablo ii reference)

[Sir William]

Diablo II was so long ago, I've forgotten most of it.  I never played it all the way through since it was a friend of mine who had a computer...we'd just play at his house but eventually I'd be relegated to watching.  LOL

Do researchers ever really retire?  I think she probably chairs a number of committees, and gives lectures like the one I viewed.