What is Ireland’s Fossil Heritage?
Ireland’s Fossil Heritage is a science engagement project funded by Science Foundation Ireland (SFI) and the European Research Council (ERC). We are based at the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences at University College Cork (UCC). The project aims to increase awareness of, and interest in, Irish fossils by offering a diverse range of free resources to the public, including school workshops, a travelling exhibit, science and art collaborations and lots of interactive web content for all ages and backgrounds.
Why should we care about Irish fossils?
Ireland’s natural landscape is made up of diverse and unique rocks which contain clues about the ancient Earth. We can connect to this mysterious past by discovering and exploring the rocks beneath our feet. Hidden within some of these rocks are the remains of plants and animals that lived in Ireland millions of years ago. These fossils can teach us about exciting prehistoric worlds.
Maria is Professor of Palaeontology at the School of Biological, Earth and Environmental Sciences at UCC. She studies fossils with powerful X-rays and lasers to understand how animals evolved colours, and how dinosaurs and birds evolved feathers. She works on many different types of fossil animals, including dinosaurs and other reptiles, birds, mammals, amphibians, fish, squids, jellyfish and even sea squirts. Her research brings her all over the world on fieldwork, studying fossil specimens in the collections of natural history museums, and doing analyses at large international science labs.
“Fossils are such rare and wonderful things that instinctively raise questions and wonder and curiosity. They inspire us to become detectives, to look for the clues that tell us about where and how these ancient animals lived and moved and breathed, what they ate and even how they died. They embody the very best of science”
Email
maria.mcnamara@ucc.ie
Social Media
Twitter
Facebook
Website
UCC Palaeogroup website
Jess is the senior engagement officer for Ireland’s Fossil Heritage. She completed her PhD in geology at the National University of Ireland, Galway with a specific focus on the origins of sedimentary rocks in the ancient past. She is fascinated with the natural world and wants to know more about how it formed and how it changes through time. As a science engagement officer, Jess hopes to inspire others to become curious about the ground beneath their feet.
"Rocks tell the story of our planet, I love that no matter where you go in the world you can read the landscape and understand a part of its epic tale."
Email
jfranklin@ucc.ie
Social Media
Twitter
Panos is a research assistant on the Ireland's Fossil Heritage project. Panos has a Geology degree, an MSc diploma and a PhD title. He is a Palaeontologist specialising in the study of Pleistocene large mammals. He is also experienced in taphonomy, palaeoecology, as well as archaeological palaeoanthropology.
Since his early childhood days Panos has fostered a great love of two things: animals and stories. Thus, it wasn’t difficult for him to fall in love with Palaeontology which combines both! To unravel and learn the story of long-lost life that existed on this Earth before us is an amazing privilege which he says he will never get tired of.
Email
psianis@ucc.ie
