Volunteer activity driven by fossil fascination

Flinders University Palaeontology Society

A fascination with fossils and a close-knit, supportive community are the driving forces of Flinders University Palaeontology Society (FUPS) volunteer activity.

FUPS outgoing President Phoebe McInerney says the student-run society is for anyone interested in fossils, evolution and extinct Australian fauna.

Along with regular social and educational activities centred on palaeontology, the volunteer group gives members the opportunity to get involved with hands- on field work, research and workshops, plus fossil preparation in the Flinders Palaeontology lab for palaeontology students.

FUPS also releases a regular journal Beer ‘n’ Bones containing palaeontology inspired news, updates and event information to keep the group connected.

“It’s volunteering with a purpose and it’s really appreciated and valued within South Australia’s palaeontology community,” says Phoebe.

Flinders University Palaeontology Society committee

Supporting its community members is also an important aspect of the group. When well-known FUPS member and Flinders palaeontology researcher James Moore (BSc ’12) passed away after a tragic accident in 2014, the James Moore Memorial Prize was established at the University with the support of his family.

Each year the prize funds two high school students (one regional and one metropolitan) to join a Flinders palaeontology field trip and learn from the University’s world-leading palaeontology academics.

The prize also acknowledges that James first became hooked on fossils as a high school student in Whyalla, when he participated in Flinders palaeontology expeditions to collect the bones of ancient megafauna at regional South Australian digs.

At last year’s Wells Lecture in Palaeontology, FUPS volunteers took the opportunity of this large gathering of the palaeontology community, including staff, students and alumni, to raise funds for the James Moore Memorial Prize.

“The fundraising by our FUPS volunteers not only provided a boost to the James Moore Memorial Prize, but also reminds us why it’s important to be involved in a close-knit supportive group like FUPS,” says Phoebe.

“It helps students and the community to get involved in the science and research work that they love, and reminds us all of the passion that drives us.”

If you have a fascination with fossils you are welcome to join Flinders University Palaeontology Society.

Flinders University, together with the Moore family, encourage donations to the James Moore Memorial Prize, to ensure James' passion for palaeontology continues to inspire school students to unearth their future in fossils.

Donate today