About PaleoSynthesis

Since October 2019, the Volkswagen Foundation is funding the GeoZentrum Nordbayern – Paläoumwelt paleontology until Sept. 2026 with almost € 1.000.000,-. With the positive midterm evaluation foundation stocked up the funding to support the continuation of the Scientific Summer Schools and workshops, the PostDocs to extend the contracts to three years, and database management.

Background: Paleontology is a small subject at universities. In Germany, there are only 44 professorships (data 2018) scattered across different locations. The fragmentation makes it difficult to develop common visions and research priorities. The initiative of the Volkswagen Foundation for the structural strengthening of “small subjects” focuses on this issue and promotes innovative ideas. Paleontology at the FAU has prevailed with its concept against numerous applicants in the competition.

Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Kießling, Department of Paleoenvironment FAU, and Prof. Dr. Manuel Steinbauer, University of Bayreuth (previously FAU), lead the project supported by the coordinator Dr Barbara Seuß and the PostDoc(s), currently Dr Danijela Dimitrijevic. The aim of the PI’s to support paleontology in German-speaking countries by building networks, in identifying common research priorities, and by promoting young academies. PaleoSynthesis is supported by the international Scientific Advisory Board, which is involved in all important decisions and provides advice and decisive support. Most of the scientific planning will be done by the Project PostDoc.

The main task is the construction of synthesis workshops. These are working meetings of experts to be held at the FAU. In terms of content, they are jointly designed by all practicing paleontologists. As a result, research groups from all over the world come together to do research. A core aspect of the synthesis workshops is also to develop visions and strategies together. As an example, ‘what are the most important questions of paleontology currently and how can we answer them collectively?’ With the project “What is your Big Question in Paleontology?” (BIG Q’s), which was supervised and organized by PostDoc Dr Jansen A. Smith this question was addressed with and individual workshop leading to online cooperation across the globe.

A mobile app is developed, which can automatically determine fossils, eventually. The application can be used by amateur paleontologists which then can contribute with their knowledge and experience towards the scientific society.

In addition, training and innovation workshops (i.e., Analytical Paleobiology School) are carried out to educate (graduate) students and to promote networking internationally. With the financial help provided by the Volkswagen Foundation we are able to support students from the Global South in partly funding their attendance.