If you are interested in learning first-hand about policy and science in Washington, D.C., please read about the exciting opportunity from AAAS, below.  Participants will spend two days learning about the structure and organization of Congress, the federal budget and appropriations process, and tools for effective science communication and civic engagement.  Because of COVID, the workshop had been postponed for 2020, but is now free and entirely virtual, which means that this is a great opportunity for any and all STEM undergraduate, graduate students, and post-docs to participate. For additional details about the CASE Workshop, please go to http://www.aaas.org/case.

The registration page for the upcoming Virtual CASE Workshop (Sept. 23-24, 2021) is now live at https://aaas.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ntMnPu6KQZiidOGO4NjXiw.  

One of the most important endeavors members of groups underrepresented in STEM can undertake is finding their community of support. The Paleontological Society recognizes the importance of inclusion and belonging and nurturing scientists throughout their career paths. We now offer conference grants to support our members’ participation in the annual conferences of SACNAS (The National Diversity in STEM Conference) and the National Association of Black Geoscientists.

With this announcement, the Paleontological Society is offering conference grants to help offset the expenses of PS members from historically underrepresented groups to participate in the NABG 2021 annual conference (September 9 - 10, 2021) and the SACNAS 2021 annual conference (October 25 - 29, 2021). Note that both meetings will be virtual this year.

The Paleontological Society recognizes the importance of educational and research practices that foster diversity and inclusion. We value the contribution of diverse opinions, strategies, and experiences at the sessions, short courses, and workshops that we sponsor at meetings of the Geological Society of America and the North American Paleontological Convention as they are an integral part to the advancement of our field. However, many of our colleagues who work extensively on inclusive educational and research practices might not qualify for research-based funding for conference travel from their home institutions. In addition, colleagues from groups underrepresented in paleontology, in a career transition (between undergrad and grad, grad to post-doc, post-doc to position), or in adjunct, teaching, museum, or part-time positions are often the most vulnerable and most likely to leave paleontology and science. It is crucial that we ensure that these members are able to attend and participate in our meetings as well as network with community members who can provide the support and mentorship that is needed in these critical transitions or positions. Thus, the Paleontological Society is offering competitive conference travel grants to help offset the expenses PS members from underrepresented and/or at-risk groups who would be unable to attend the GSA 2021 annual meeting without travel support.

Funding Amount
$1200 per award for in person attendees and $250 per award for online attendees

Congratulations to our 2021 slate of distinguished Paleontology Society Fellows!

As Editor in Chief of the Paleontological Society’s Book/Journal Elements of Paleontology, I wanted to draw your attention to two recently published articles that highlight the breadth of Elements as well as highlight some of the publishing capabilities of the series.  Elements is more than just a series for the Paleontological Society Short Course Notes.  It publishes longer articles on a variety of paleontological topics including education and outreach in paleontology, stratigraphy, taxonomy and paleontological methods and techniques, to name a few.  As always, we are looking for content.  Feel free to contact me concerning ideas for new elements and edited volumes. 

The Stratigraphic Paleobiology of Nonmarine Systems by Steven Holland, University of Georgia; Katharine M. Loughney, University of Michigan 

This paper reviews issues surrounding the interplay of sequence stratigraphy and the fossil record in terrestrial settings 

The Paleontological Society Ethics Committee is pleased to present its second annual report to Society members about its activities and investigations conducted in association with the PS Policy on Non-Discrimination and Member Code of Conduct.

Development of a Reciprocity Agreement with GSA

Mary Anning Rocks Initiative

The Paleontological Society is looking for an interested individual to take on the role of North-Central Section Chair.

Interested graduate students may apply, and we invite you to ask your faculty members and/or post-docs within the North-Central universities and colleges who may be interested in the position for the next three (3) years. Below is the relevant information from the PS Operations Manual:

The Paleontological Society is pleased to report the completion and signing of a joint Memorandum of Understanding with the National Park Service (NPS) and with the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology. Although this MOU is potentially broad-reaching, one of its primary purposes is to enhance scientific efforts and stewardship of paleontological resources throughout the National Park System. The signing, which took place during a Government Affairs town hall meeting at the 2018 GSA Annual Meeting in Indianapolis, culminated a process led by Vincent Santucci, Senior Paleontologist and Paleontology Program Coordinator, to envision and develop the memorandum.  Signatories included Dave Steensen, Chief of the Geological Resources Division for the National Park Service; Bruce MacFadden, President of the Paleontological Society; and P. David Polly, Past-President of the Society for Vertebrate Paleontology, on behalf of President Emily Rayfield.  As part of the ceremony, both Societies were presented with commemorative plaques by the NPS.

This unprecedented agreement signals a new era of collaboration between the Societies and the United States Department of the Interior intended to enhance the scientific and educational viability of fossil assemblages located on lands administered by the NPS.  As part of the agreement, the NPS has pledged to undertake a needs assessment, including the establishment of a comprehensive database of instances in which parks seek guidance, support, and assistance with paleontological resources; identify opportunities for paleontologists to become involved in management and research on these resources; and establish internship opportunities for the Society’s student members.