Coaxing history from the rocks: The contribution of the BPI (palaeontology)
Date
1997
Authors
Raath, M. A.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Bernard Price Institute for Palaeontological Research
Abstract
From humble beginnings at the conclusion of the Second World War, the Bernard Price Institute
for Palaeontological Research has developed into a major centre of palaeontological research and
training whose contribution extends far beyond the borders of South Africa. Over the 50 years of its
existence it has amassed large collections offossils from most of the fossiliferous deposits of South
Africa, covering a large segment of geological time and a broad sweep of the diversity oflife. These
collections have provided the foundation for ongoing research by its staff and students, as well as by
visiting scientists from many other parts of the world. As a component of the University of the
Witwatersrand, the Institute incorporates the only separate teaching department of palaeontology
in any South African university, through which a steady stream of undergraduate and graduate
students has passed over the years. Many of those students now occupy senior research and
management positions in institutions and corporations scattered across the world. Under its current
leadership, the Institute looks set fair for the next 50 years of solid contribution to world
palaeontology.
Description
None
Keywords
Bernard Price Institute.
Citation
None