What is the Primate Society of Great Britain?

The Primate Society of Great Britain (PSGB), founded in 1967, is a learned society and the UK's National primatological society (Registered Charity No. 290185) dedicated to the advancement of primate research, conservation, and captive care. The Society is focused scientifically and holds two scientific meetings a year. We award grants towards projects that benefit primates, and have dedicated subcommittees; Conservation, Captive Care, and Research. We also award several medals to mark and celebrate individual contributions to primatology. 

We are closely affiliated to the International Primatological Society (IPS) and the European Federation for Primatology (EFP).


Who is the Primate Society of Great Britain?

The Society is run by a Council of 12 to 16 elected officers, from a President, Secretary, Media officer, Meetings officer, to a Membership officer among many others. Each elected persons serves for a term of 3 years (min.). You can meet our current Council for 2023 here.


What does the Primate Society of Great Britain do?

We unite primatologists and work to raise the profile of primatology. In addition to supporting and promoting primate research, conservation and care with our grants, platform, and fundraising, the Society produces its own publications, Primate Eye and PEN (Primate Eye Newsletter), aimed at disseminating primatology news, opportunities, and highlighting the fantastic work our members do alongside recent advancements in the field. 

We also celebrate and showcase primatology through our twice yearly scientific meetings, giving researchers, students, and organisations a chance to connect with others and present their work. These meetings are fantastic networking opportunities for members at a range of career stages. 

The PSGB has a strong commitment to primate conservation. Each year we fundraise for and support a different primatology conservation cause, as well as give out multiple grants in 3 key areas; conservation, captive care, and research. Our current Conservation Cause can be viewed here, along with previous causes and the amounts raised.


PSGB patron

The PSGB's Patron is world-famous English ethologist and conservationist Dr Jane Goodall, DBE, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace. Dr Goodall is known for her ground-breaking studies of wild chimpanzees in Gombe Stream National Park, Tanzania, which forever changed our understanding of our relationship with them. This research, begun in 1960, continues today as the longest running wild chimpanzee study in the world.

Jane is growing the next generation of compassionate changemakers through her ‘Roots & Shoots’ environmental and humanitarian youth programme, now active in over 60 countries, including the UK. And even today, Jane continues to connect with worldwide audiences through her work.

Click here to find out more about Jane and her work.


Constitution and Policies
The Society's Constitution (2022) is available here.
The Society's Conflicts of Interest Policy is available here.
PSGB values diversity and strives to support equity of opportunity. Our equality, diversity and inclusion statement is available here.

For other documents, please visit the PSGB Documents page here. 

Join our Mailing List!
Please click here and click subscribe to receive emails from the PSGB community.

If you would like to consult the PSGB archives or donate PSGB documents or memorabilia to them, please contact the Society Archivist, Dr Mary Blanchard, University of Liverpool ([email protected]). 

The Primate Society of Great Britain is a registered Charity number 290185 Website Photos: Annette Gunn & Brogan Mace
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