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Popular Archaeology A world first is launched with transparency in the recovery of new fossils at the foot of the human family tree. 
Speaking of "firsts" and "origins", it is perhaps fitting that a world first in open scientific research should begin with discoveries being made in the field of human orgins research. Even more fitting might be its applicaton to the recent science headline-making fossil discoveries that have been made in South Africa related to the new Australopithecus sediba, the latest hominin species suggested by a number of scientists as a possible evolutionary precursor to our own human lineage. In an unprecedented gesture of open access to science and public participation, the University of the Witwatersrand, the Gauteng Provincial Government and the South African national government announced that for the first time in history, the process of exploring and uncovering these fossil remains would be conducted live, captured on video, and conveyed to the world in real time. This will allow members of the public and the scientific community to share in the unfolding discovery in an unprecedented way. A laboratory studio, designed in collaboration with the National Geographic Society, will be built at the Maropeng Visitor Centre in the heart of the Cradle of Humankind World Heritage Site. It will allow the public to view the preparation of this skeleton live if they visit Maropeng, or live on the internet. The public will be able to participate fully in Live Science and future discoveries as they occur in real time an unprecedented moment in palaeoanthropology, explains Berger. The laboratory studio will be also linked to laboratories at Wits University and the Malapa site. "We are excited to have helped make this cutting-edge facility possible for the University of the Witwatersrand," says National Geographic Executive Vice President Terry Garcia. "We can't wait to watch palaeontology happening in real time." Gauteng MEC for Economic Development, Qedani Mahlangu, said: We are proud to be part of this programme which proves that Gauteng is indeed a world-class City-Region at the forefront of scientific discovery and technological development. We stand shoulder to shoulder with the best in the world. Virtual outposts Mahlangu also indicated that access to the laboratory studio would not be limited only to visitors to the Cradle of Humankind and the internet. We intend to create virtual 'outposts' in major partner museums around the world, says Mahlangu. These outposts will allow visitors to these partner museums the chance to interact with scientists in real time in a way we simply could not conceive of a few years ago. It is anticipated that the laboratory and virtual infrastructure will be built within a year, expanding our ambitious tourism and smart province infrastructure programme. Berger added that negotiations had begun with the Shanghai Science and Technology Museum, the Natural History Museum in the United Kingdom and the Smithsonian in Washington. We have already donated casts of Australopithecus sediba to these three institutions, amongst others, says Berger. It has also just been confirmed that one of the virtual outposts will be hosted in the new Shanghai Natural History Museum due to open later this year. The excitement generated by the latest discovery is also shared by the National Department of Arts and Culture. The Department has hailed it as an important addition to the drive to educate South Africans, especially the youth, about their history and heritage. Paul Mashatile, South African Minister of Arts and Culture, says: Maropeng means the place of origin. South Africans are prepared to share this information about our history and heritage with the rest of the world, with the help of modern technology. This is history in the making, with the added dimension of being relayed live to the world as it is made. Berger concludes: It's breath-taking to actually 'see the future' using technology. It unlocks the potential for us to make ambitious plans to share this find with other scientists and with the public. Such an endeavour is quite literally changing the way we conduct science, and it's a wonderful opportunity to share this magnificent discovery with the world. But, truthfully, my colleagues and I just can't wait to get our hands on the fossils in that rock!
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