Stone Age Institute opens

The IU Center for Research into the Anthropological Foundations of Technology Stone Age Institute, the first center in the world devoted to early human culture, has been completed and soon will hire scientists from around world.\nIU anthropologists and joint directors of CRAFT Kathy Schick and Nicolas Toth created the institute with funds from the private group Friends of CRAFT.\n"We believe we've created the finest research center anywhere for scientists interested in early human evolution and culture," Toth said in a news release.\nThe 11,400-square-foot research center, 1392 W. Dittemore Rd., houses three laboratories, 10 research offices and a library of more than 50,000 books and articles.\n"We also believe the Stone Age Institute will enhance the research mission of IU by providing both a new resource for its current scientists, as well as a compelling reason for new scientists to come here," Schick said.\nA key element of the building is a 35-foot tall stone tower, like ones built by many stone age people. At the base of the tower is a gallery of archaeological items from the collections of Schick and Toth.\nSchick and Toth, who are married, said they were inspired to build the research center after visiting George Lucas at his Skywalker Ranch in Marin County, Calif. Toth said it occurred to them that scientists too can benefit from natural settings and work environments.\nSchick said they not only plan to invite leading researchers to join them but promising researchers from developing countries, as well.