The world is waiting to be explored. Come discover it with us.
Find out how our grantees are making a significant impact with the latest articles, events, news and content from our Palaeoscience community.
Why Palaeoscience is important
What can the past teach us about our future? Everything.
From dinosaurs, mass extinctions and meteorite impacts to the evolution of our species, the Palaeosciences has always inspired wonder and intrigue.The practical benefits of Palaeoscience span across many areas, including insights into modern human medicine and biological conservation to creating a love of learning and enabling positive societal change through a shared understanding of our human heritage.
As our knowledge of the Earth and human history expands, we begin to discover just how connected we all are, how the past impacts the future, and what we can do to protect our planet today and beyond.
Research Projects
Research inspired by a fossil collection unlike any other.
In the heart of Africa, where South Africa has an unmatched geographical record, our four major research themes provide unique insights into the story of life.
Evolutionary Processes
This theme includes studying the timing of evolutionary events, characterising the global geographic distribution of fossil taxa, investigating the nature of functional morphology, and exploring critical innovations in morphological evolution.
Cultural & Behavioural Evolution
This theme aims to explain key transitions in hominin behaviour and innovation.
Palaeo-environments and Palaeoclimates
This theme includes advancing the understanding of earth systems, ecosystems and biodiversity.
Latest updates
See what we’ve been up to with the latest news and events from GENUS.
Genus’s new leadership looks to the future
Giant 360 million-year-old killer fish
Genus sponsored TEDxJohannesburgSalon LIFE| Past. Present. Future. Talks are now online
Meet Dr Lynne Quick, a Senior Research Fellow from Nelson Mandela University’s African Centre for Coastal Palaeosciences
Dr Keneiloe Molopyane was invited to the prestigious Explorers Club 50
Meet the back-vault heroes of Wits’ Earth Sciences
Get Funding
Apply for a grant and contribute to research excellence in South Africa’s thriving Palaeoscience community.
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Be part of the solution to our world’s most pressing environmental and social issues.
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