The Paleontological Society is an international nonprofit organization devoted to all aspects of paleontology - plants, animals, protists, microbes, and the traces they leave in the geologic record. Our mission is to advance knowledge of paleontology and understanding of the evolution of life through research, education and advocacy.  Founded in 1908, membership is open to everyone interested in paleontology. Our goal is to build a society that mirrors the diversity of our world, and we welcome all kinds of paleontologists as members – professional, early career, student, K-12 teacher, and avocational.   

Through Cambridge University Press, we publish two leading paleontology journals, the Journal of Paleontology and Paleobiology, and Elements of Paleontology, a hybrid between book and journal formats that publishes scientific research, fieldtrip guides, short course materials, 3D visualization, education and outreach resources, and more.  Members have free access to both journals and Elements.  We present new research at an annual meeting in the Fall in collaboration with the Geological Society of America, and regional meetings in Spring.  We also sponsor the North American Paleontological Convention every 3-5 years; the next will be in Knoxville, TN in the summer of 2028!

The Society supports paleontology through research grants and internships available to early career and student members, and through education, outreach, diversity, and inclusion grants available to all members. We support international paleontological research through our Sepkoski grant program. Explore our website and link to us on social media. Members receive monthly updates via our newsletter, Priscum and the opportunity to network with other members. Interested in joining?  Learn more about the Benefits of Membership

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