HEEP on Fire at NACHTAKTIV

On October 16, 2025, HEEP alumna Leandra Keusch brought evolutionary anthropology to life at NACHTAKTIV, a late-night science outreach event hosted in Zurich museums for young audiences under 30. The theme? Fire — both literal and evolutionary.

Representing the HEEP research group and the broader discipline of Anthropology, Leandra engaged curious visitors with insights from the TREE Project and offered an accessible introduction to how fire shaped our species. From the cooking hypothesis to the evolution of cooperation, she highlighted how the controlled use of fire altered not just our diets — but our brains, bodies, and social worlds.

The event blended science, music, museums, and conversation — and Leandra’s contribution stood out as a glowing example of how research can spark curiosity beyond the university.

We’re proud to see our alumni bringing anthropology to the public, one fire-lit evening at a time.