Question: How can we become palaeontologists?

Liam Herringshaw answered on 30 Jan 2024:

If you’re interested in fossils and nature, you’re already on the way. I was lucky to have a geography teacher who studied rocks and fossils. She persuaded me to study geology at college, and then at university. At university I realised I loved palaeontology, and I then did a PhD in fossils at a different university. For most professional palaeontologists, a university degree in geology or biology is the way they became palaeontologists.

HOWEVER, anyone can be a palaeontologist. I have friends who are teachers, plumbers, doctors, etc, who just love learning about fossils, and they’re palaeontologists too. Read books, visit museums, chat to scientists, and you’ll soon be on your way!