成立于1997年，通过对过去和现在人类群体以及与人类密切相关的灵长类动物群体的基因、文化、认知能力、语言和社会系统的比较分析来调查人类的历史。结合不同研究领域对人类物种产生关于历史、多样性和能力的新见解。研究所汇集了来自各个学科的科学家，利用跨学科的方法处理人类进化问题。

Founded in 1997, it investigates human history through a comparative analysis of the genetic, cultural, cognitive, linguistic, and social systems of past and present human groups and primate groups that are closely related to humans. Combining different fields of study to generate new insights into human species about history, diversity and capabilities. The Institute brings together scientists from a variety of disciplines to address human evolution using an interdisciplinary approach.