The 37th International Geological Congress (IGC), held in Busan from August 25th to 31st, 2024, prominently featured Topic 11, Paleontology and Paleoanthropology, with a strong focus on cuhhent trends, discoveries, and challenges in the field. We are pleased to share the highlights of these ten comprehensive sessions, which brought together researchers and experts worldwide.

Ice breaking party

The sessions covered diverse paleontological themes, from evolutionary biology to mass extinction events, and highlighted significant fossil records contributing to our understanding of Earth’s ancient life. Talks on the Cambrian Explosion and Co-evolution of environment and Functional morphology and biomechanics in invertebrates were notable for shedding light on biodiversity fluctuations over millions of years. Key discussions also revolved around recent technological advancements, including digitization techniques and molecular paleobiology, which have enhanced the analysis of fossils and ancient DNA. Through these studies, paleontology continues to provide essential data to understand contemporary environmental challenges.

Meeting Scene

Collaborative projects between institutions were also highlighted, with researchers showcasing global efforts to preserve paleontological heritage and digitize collections for future generations. This Congress emphasized the need for international cooperation in paleontological research, fostering stronger networks to safeguard geological and fossil records.

The outcomes of Topic 11 promise to inspire further exploration and collaborations in paleontology. We extend our gratitude to the organizers of IGC 2024 and look forward to future gatherings, where we will continue to unravel the mysteries of Earth's ancient past.