Registration and further information coming soon at Mary Ward Microbeam Facility | University College Cork!

This paper outlines the first step in improving the reliability of predicting fossil feather colour by investigating the statistical differences between melanin-based colour categories defined by human colour categorisation.

Short Course in Analytical Palaeontology: 24th – 28th Nov 2025

More details available here

The School of BEES and the Cork Geological Association are delighted to announce the first talk in the Lecture series for the forthcoming academic year, to be delivered by UCC Palaeo Group postdoctoral researcher Dr Valentina Rossi. Valentina will speak about her fossil research, and how cutting-edge microbeam investigation and statistical analyses can help us uncover forgeries. The event is free and open to the general public, but please book your place by emailing Dr Bettie Higgs (b.higgs@ucc.ie). Refreshments served afterwards!

More details available here

An international team of researchers including UCC palaeontologists have discovered a new species of fossil reptile from the Triassic period that had a large crest made of complex plume-like structures, long before modern-type feathers evolved. This dramatic breakthrough shakes our view of the evolution of skin and feathers in reptiles.

More details available here

Maria was awarded the Villa Maria Women of Vision Award for Educational Excellence at their awards evening at the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Cork. 

See Maria Villa Awards 2025 for more. Congratulations Maria!