Written by: Nolusindiso Mpunyuka, Shandré Collins, Nyaniso Nofingxana and Sibusiso Mtungata
This year, for the first time, all Iziko Karoo Palaeontology technicians had the opportunity to attend the biennial conference of the Palaeontological Society of South Africa (PSSA), held in Graaff-Reinet from 8 to 13 September. This conference provided a platform for both local and international delegates to discuss the latest developments in palaeoscience and heritage.
Technicians play a vital role in the scientific community through their contributions to fossil excavation and research in evolution, comparative anatomy, and taxonomy. We are grateful to Iziko Museums of South Africa for recognising the importance of this work and funding our team’s accommodation and registration fees for the event. Attending the conference helped us grow personally and professionally by offering new perspectives on palaeontology and opportunities to engage with researchers from around the world.
Front left to right: Nyaniso Nofingxana, Zaituna Skosan, Wendy Taylor, Claire Browning, Back left to right: Derik Wolvaardt, Sibusiso Mtungata, Nolusindiso Mpunyuka, Shandré Collins and Roger Smith.
Missing from the photo is research associate Thalassa Mathews (sorry Thalassa!).
We learned about the shared value of fossil collections and our collective responsibility to preserve them, as part of our heritage, for future generations. During a dedicated technician session, we engaged with fellow technicians to exchange ideas on health and safety, fossil preparation, chemical preparation, excavation methods, moulding and casting practices. We also shared information about new tools that can enhance our preparation techniques and ensure best practices. This session allowed us to highlight the need for proper crediting of our findings and prepared specimens in publications. Additionally, we created a chat group for palaeoscience technicians to continue discussing topics like fossil preparation, challenges in our work, and developments in the field.
A key takeaway from the conference was the importance of the technician’s role in palaeontology. We strongly believe that future conferences should continue to include technician sessions. During a round-table discussion, we proposed ideas to improve these sessions and ensure better representation for technicians in the field. We agreed to form an online group to share information, equipment, and techniques, while staying connected with scientists and informed about research.
From left to right. Back row: Samukelisiwe Mtshali, Robyn Symons, Nyaniso Nofingxana (Iziko), Sibusiso Mtungata (Iziko), Wilfred Bilankulu (Wits), Andrew Bolton.…Middle row: Shandré Collins (Iziko), Morgan Hopf, Zaituna Skosan (Iziko), Tiffany Ingham-Brown,
Bonisiwe Mokoma (Wits), Zanildo Macungo, Nolusindiso Mpunyuka (Iziko).…Front row: Justin Arnols (New Karoo Museum, Graaff-Reinet), Sifelani Jirah (ESI, Wits university). Erin. S Lund is behind the scenes taking our group photo.
We recommend that institutions make it a standard practice to send technicians to prominent conferences like the PSSA. These events provide invaluable opportunities to learn, teach, and connect with experts, students, and researchers. In-person interactions break down barriers between technical and scientific staff, fostering collaboration and shared interest in the fossils we work with daily. Including technicians in these conversations motivates us, strengthens our contributions, and helps scientists understand the importance of our work. From prospecting fossils in the field to seeing them featured in presentations, technicians are essential to the workflow and success of palaeontological research.
We look forward to participating in future conferences to expand our knowledge, share our experiences, and contribute to the field. Engaging with peers and industry experts inspires new ideas and creates networking opportunities that can lead to valuable collaborations. We aim to strengthen relationships with palaeontologists locally and globally, bridging the gap between researchers and technicians. The PSSA conference enriched our knowledge, provided a space to showcase our skills, and fostered meaningful collaboration.
We are proud of what we have to offer and eager to continue contributing our unique perspectives and skills. We hope Iziko Museums will continue to support our vision and give us the chance to attend the next PSSA conference in 2027!
