Palaeontology

The main objectives of the Department of Palaeontology are the management, conservation, research and dissemination of the palaeontological patrimony it curates. The collection of Palaeontology is, from the point of view of volume and scientific value, the most important of the Museum’s geological collections.  

Firstly, in terms of management and conservation, the efforts of the department focus on documenting the specimens, improving information-management techniques (implementing new computer programs) and adapting the conservation conditions of the specimens, activities in which we work every day to improve and reach standard levels of conservation.

Secondly, the research carried out in the department principally studies the diversity of life in the past -particularly, in two biotic groups, echinoderms and large foraminifera- and its evolution through geological time. To achieve this goal, technical personnel collect invertebrates in the field in order to study them in collaboration with researchers from Catalan universities and other European institutions.

Finally, the dissemination of the paleontological content of the Museum is carried out through various channels. One is focused on the general public, through the planning of exhibitions, publishing news in different social networks and participating in different activities organized by the Museum. The more specialized, the diffusion is done through the publication of scientific articles and colletion catalogs, and participation in national and international conferences.

Among the other activities promoted by the department is the joint work with collaborators and enthusiasts, facilitating access to the collections for external researchers and taking on students (undergraduate or postgraduate) in work experience. These latter activities also meet the equator objective associated with the museum.