Episode 93: The History of Palaeontological Outreach

Published: Aug. 12, 2018, 11:33 a.m.

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Palaeontology has an ability to grab the public\\u2019s attention like no other subject. Perhaps it\\u2019s the size and ferocity of something like a\\xa0T. rex, or maybe it\\u2019s the alien nature of something like\\xa0Hallucigenia. Irrespective of whatever it is that makes the subject interesting to any given individual, it\\u2019s important because palaeontology is a great gateway into STEM subjects and is, in itself, one of the few ways in which we can understand about the evolution of life and the planet.

But how has the public\\u2019s perception of palaeontology changed with the times? Was it more popular in its infancy, when huge questions were still left unanswered, or is it more popular now, in the era of Jurassic Park, where animatronics and CGI can bring fossils \\u2018back to life\\u2019?

Joining us to discuss how palaeontological outreach has been conducted and received throughout its history is Dr Chris Manias, King\\u2019s College London. Chris is a historian of palaeontology and founder of the \\u2018Popularizing Palaeontology\\u2018, a network of\\xa0scholars, scientists, museum professionals, artists, etc. who reflect on trends in palaeontological communication and build future collaborations.

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