For many young people fascinated by dinosaurs, fossils and the ancient world, palaeontology can feel like a distant dream, encountered through books, museums and documentaries. What is often missing is the chance to experience the field first-hand and discover what a career in science really looks like.
The James Moore Memorial Palaeontology Prize is helping to bridge that gap.
Established by the Moore family in memory of their beloved family member James and inspired by his passion for palaeontology, the prize gives high school students the rare opportunity to join a Flinders University palaeontology field expedition alongside researchers and university students, uncovering evidence of life from another age.
A Flinders science graduate and researcher, James first discovered his love of palaeontology as a high school student and came on an expedition with Flinders palaeontologists when he was in Year 11. James later shared that enthusiasm with other young people, encouraging them to explore the field for themselves. After his untimely death at just 24 years of age, his family established the fund to help future generations experience the same opportunities that inspired him.
For Professor Gavin Prideaux, Director, Flinders Palaeontology, the experience offers something that cannot be replicated in a classroom.
"You can read as many books and watch as many documentaries as you like, but until you're involved hands-on, it’s hard to fully understand how palaeontologists go about their work," he says. "By coming on these expeditions, the students learn how to use fossils and where you find them to shine a light on the past and understand how scientific research actually happens."
Recent recipient Matilda Coventry discovered the prize while researching Flinders University's palaeontology program. Already determined to become a palaeontologist, she saw the expedition as a chance to experience the profession she had dreamed about since childhood.
"Excavating a large vertebra with palaeontologist Diana Fusco was what I had dreamt of doing ever since I was a little girl," Matilda says.
The experience strengthened her passion for the field and confirmed her desire to pursue it as a career.
"To see what palaeontology is actually like and meet people already working in the field was an opportunity I wouldn't have had otherwise," explains Matilda.
"Actually being able to physically dig up bones was incredible and will stay with me forever," says Samuel.
"Being able to see what I would be doing if I pursue a career in palaeontology has made me love prehistoric Australia even more," she says. "My interest in palaeontology grew because of the trip."
For Samuel Mellen, the prize provided not only an unforgettable hands-on experience but also a clearer understanding of the opportunities available within the profession. One of the highlights was descending deep into a fossil excavation site.
"We were already in a cave, but after going down two massive ladders it felt like a whole different world," he recalls.
The expedition also helped answer a question that had been weighing on his mind.
"My biggest worry was whether I could find a job after studying palaeontology," he explains. "Now I am aware of so many more jobs that I could do within the field, which means I now seriously consider it as a future career."
Samuel says opportunities like the James Moore Memorial Palaeontology Prize are particularly important because many students have limited exposure to the discipline during their school years.
"Palaeontology is not accessible enough for young people to learn about at school. Having the opportunity to immerse yourself in it and surround yourself with knowledgeable people does so much for a young person who's interested in it."
Professor Prideaux notes that the benefits extend well beyond the prize recipients themselves. The program introduces talented young people to Flinders, connects them with current students and researchers, and helps them make informed decisions about their future study and career pathways.
"The students get involved in every aspect of the fieldwork," he says. "They excavate fossils, sort specimens, work alongside university students and learn what university life is really like."
Even for students who ultimately pursue other paths, the experience provides valuable insight into university life, scientific research and the collaborative nature of discovery.
These outcomes are only possible because of philanthropy. Thanks to the generosity of the Moore family and supporters of the James Moore Memorial Fund, students like Matilda and Samuel are gaining opportunities that few young people ever experience. In honouring James Moore's passion for palaeontology, they have created an experience that connects young people with science, education and possibility, helping them build new knowledge, confidence and connections while creating lasting impact for future students, researchers and the wider community.
Join the Moore family in honouring James' passion for palaeontology and inspire students unearth their love of science.
100% of your tax-deductible donation will support the James Moore Memorial Palaeontology Prize, helping young people access unique learning experiences beyond the classroom.
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