Welcome to the Primate Society of Great Britain (PSGB)
Founded in 1967, the Primate Society of Great Britain (PSGB) is the UK's national primatological society, promoting research into all aspects of primate biology, conservation and management.
The PSGB is dedicated to equality, diversity and inclusion, with a subcommittee focused on embeding EDI into the existing activities of the Society and developing new initiatives to promote and encourage EDI moving forward.
We have an active and thriving membership base that is open to anyone, regardless of education level, career stage, primatological discipline or institution. Join us today.
"Primates are a uniquely fascinating group of animals, providing us with clues about the evolution of human behaviour, social complexity and behavioural flexibility. The study and conservation of primates is therefore crucial, and the Primate Society of Great Britain is committed to working with scientists, students and the public to achieve these aims. Please do consider joining our society as a member, and help us address the threats many primate species face around the world.”
- Professor Bridget Waller, PSGB President
Latest News
PSGB 2026 Conservation Cause
Le Groupe d’Etude et de Recherche sur les Primates de Madagascar (GERP) has been selected as our 2026 Conservation Cause! Please join us in supporting this fantastic organisation, who are working to protect Madagascar's lemur populations: some of the most threatened mammals in the world, with over 95% of species at risk of extinction. Learn more here.
Remembering Biruté Galdikas (1946-2026)
We’re deeply saddened by the passing of Biruté Galdikas. As a pioneer of modern primatology, her lifelong work has shaped the field as we know it today. Our thoughts are with her family, friends, and all those inspired by her legacy.
Please take the time to read a short memorial for Dr Galdikas, written by Felicity Oram, which can be accessed here.
Photo courtesy of Orangutan Foundation International (OFI): https://orangutan.org/
Primatology Profiles
Each month, we are interviewing an individual working in a field related to Primatology to discuss their work and background, ultimately showcasing who they are and what they do.
Through these conversations with a diverse group of contributors, this project recognises Primatology as an intricate and practical field with many forms of engagement. This can range from researchers studying behaviour and physiology to ask questions concerning evolution and ecology, to conservationists working for policy change, and those directly involved with primates day to day in captive care facilities.
To find out more, check out our Primatology Profiles page, or read our first profile from Prof. Jacob Dunn
David Chivers (1944 - 2026)
With profound sadness we announce that Dr David Chivers, a long-time member of the Society, passed away earlier this month.
David Chivers served as a Treasurer (1974-1977) and then President (1982-1986) of PSGB. He also served on the Conservation Working Party and in 2011 received the Society’s Occasional Medal for services to primate conservation.
Dr Chivers’ contributions to the discipline of primatology and to training the next generations of primatologists have been profoundly influential and he will be deeply missed by the UK primatology community. Please take the time to read more about David's profound influence on our members here.
You can also watch a video made by former PhD students to commemorate 40+ years of service at the University of Cambridge (in 2018).
Visit our online store!
We offer a range of clothing and totes, in a variety of sizes and styles, available to buy from here. You can now proudly wear PSGB themed merch wherever you go!
PSGB statement on primates as pets.
The Primate Society of Great Britain is fundamentally opposed to the keeping of primates as pets, and fully supports the banning of this practice.
We recognise at the same time that appropriate measures need to be put in place for the protection, rescue and rehabilitation of the individual animals currently held as pets.
You can read our full statement here.
