A passion for palaeontology

James Moore Memorial Palaeontology Prize

James Moore (BSc ’12) first became hooked on fossils as a high-school student in Whyalla, when he had the opportunity to participate in Flinders University palaeontology expeditions to collect the bones of ancient megafauna at regional South Australian digs.

James continued his passion for learning about the remains of prehistoric creatures as a science student at Flinders then as a researcher in the Palaeontology Lab at the University.

He loved the thrill of travelling to remote sites and back through time to discover the remains of weird and wonderful animals from Australia’s past.

James shared his enthusiasm for unearthing fossils with high school students, encouraging them to interact with Flinders researchers and participate in research at the University.

However, in 2014 at the age of just 24 James died in a car crash. To honour his life the James Moore Memorial Fund was established at Flinders University with the support of James’ family.

Since 2016 the fund has enabled an annual prize to support a regional and a metropolitan secondary school student to learn from Flinders University's world-leading academics in the field of palaeontology.

James Moore on a palaeontology dig

The 2022 James Moore Memorial Palaeontology Prize was awarded to Sara Roesler and Dennis Schofield, who received funding to join a Flinders University field trip to the NSW Wellington Caves complex, an outstanding site for megafauna fossil studies.

Sara says fossils fascinate her and is keen to pursue earth sciences, geography, archaeology, geology or other topics which support a tertiary pathway to palaeontology.

“I have a genuine interest in prehistory and fossils and have found it interesting since I was young,” says Sara. “They show us how life has changed over time and how living things respond to climate and landscape changes, to help us predict what might happen in the future.

“I am honoured to have the opportunity to commemorate the memory of James Moore so his passion can remain an inspiration to other young aspiring palaeontologists.”

Flinders University, together with the Moore family, invite you to donate to the prize to ensure James’ passion for palaeontology continues to inspire school students to unearth their future.

100% of your tax-deductible donation will encourage high school students to explore their fossil fascination through the James Moore Memorial Palaeontology Prize.

Donate today

Find out about the prize and how to enter