What is the Point of Palaeontology? Discussion Event & Pop-Up Exhibition

Palaeontology is currently one of the most high-profile sciences. But how far does it actually help us to understand the world around us? Does palaeontology give us an unparalleled window into nature, the changing environment and evolution? Or does the way that palaeontological research has often been presented – in terms of prehistoric monsters, macho fieldwork and narratives of progress – detract from understandings of science? And how should we research and talk about life's history in relation to the present and future of life?

In this one-evening pop-up exhibition and discussion, we’ll be thinking about these and other questions with some leading palaeontologists, artists, historians, and science communicators. Join us to discuss how palaeontology has been used in the past, its place today in discussions of science and nature, and how the role of the field might change in the future.


Featuring a Panel Discussion and Q&A Session with:

Joe Cain

Darren Naish

Elsa Panciroli

Mark Witton

Becky Wragg-Sykes


And Exhibits from:

John Conway, 'Obscuring Palaeontology'

Richard Fallon, 'As Dead as the Dinosaurs.'

Katrina van Grouw, 'A Two-way Mirror: back from the future, forward to the past.'

Beth Windle, TBC

Mark Witton, 'They Came from Prehistory! The misrepresentation of extinct animals as monsters.'


This event is being organized in association with Popularizing Palaeontology Workshop IV , and is funded by the Arts & Humanities Research Council.