Innovations in Palaeontology Lecture Series and the PalAss Exceptional Lecturer

The Innovations in Palaeontology Lecture Series, to be delivered by the PalAss Exceptional Lecturer, aims to promote palaeontology to the wider academic community and to recognize excellence in research among palaeontologists. The PalAss Exceptional Lecturer is selected in a competitive process.

This scheme aims to:

• Improve the dissemination of cutting-edge palaeontological research to the broader academic community.
• Raise the profile of palaeontology within the Earth sciences and related fields.
• Recognize outstanding research and science communication in palaeontology among members of the Association.

Format of the scheme:

• One PalAss Exceptional Lecturer will be selected each year in a competitive process.
• The PalAss Exceptional Lecturer is expected to give five lectures at five different institutions over a nine-month period. 
• The successful applicant will receive the Innovations in Palaeontology Lecture Series Grant, which will be administererd by the home institution of the PalAss Exceptional Lecturer.
• The Grant may only be used to pay the reasonable travel costs incurred by the PalAss Exceptional Lecturer to visit each of the host institutions (up to £2,000 for the total Innovations in Palaeontology Lecture Series with a maximum of £500 for any individual lecture). The host institutions will cover costs for accommodation (where necessary) and hospitality.
• Any academic institution (universities and/or museums) from any country can apply to participate in the Innovations in Palaeontology Lecture Series as a host institution.
• Any unused funds must be returned to PalAss after delivery of the final lecture. Should the PalAss Exceptional Lecturer move institutions within the timeframe of the lecture series, any unspent funds must remain available to the PalAss Exceptional Lecturer.
• Applications to be a PalAss Exceptional Lecturer will be strengthened if the applicant agrees to submit a paper as a review article for possible publication in Palaeontology.

Eligibility and selection process of the PalAss Exceptional Lecturer:

• Eligible candidates will have a PhD in palaeontology or a related field.
• Applicants can reside in any country, but must be members of the Association.
• Candidates must self-nominate.
• To self-nominate, a two-page CV, full list of publications, and statement of motivation (max. 300 words) must be submitted via this webpage as a single PDF format file (max. 8 MB). In addition, a 60 second video summary (in mp4 format; max. size: 30 MB) OR two powerpoint slides (in ppt/pptx format; max. size: 30MB) outlining a proposed seminar topic must be submitted via this webpage.
• The PalAss Exceptional Lecturer will be chosen based on their career track record, including research quality (relative to career stage) and oratorical skills.

Selection of host institutions:

• Institutions interested in participating in the Innovations in Palaeontology Lecture Series should apply via this webpage and suggest a time-frame within which the lecture should be given.
• The PalAss Exceptional Lecturer will receive the list of potential host institutions after the 1st June deadline, and will choose their preferred hosts and liaise directly with them. Applications after 1st June will be considered depending on the remaining availability.

Expectations for host institutions:

• Each lecture must be widely advertised across the host institution. We particularly encourage advertisement of the Innovations in Palaeontology Lecture Series on social media.
• Host institutions are expected to pay for hospitality and offer a meal in a social environment to the PalAss Exceptional Lecturer.
• If the PalAss Exceptional Lecturer has to travel more than three hours to the host institution or cannot return home at a reasonable time, the host institution must offer at least one night of accommodation.

Deadlines:

• 1st November 23:59 GMT: Deadline for nominations for the PalAss Exceptional Lecturer.
• December: The PalAss Exceptional Lecturer will be announced at the Annual Meeting.
• March: The call for host institutions to participate in the Innovations in Palaeontology Lecture Series will be published in the Newsletter.
• 1st June 23:59 GMT: Preferred deadline for applications from host institutions (applications will still be considered after this date).
• September – May: Delivery of lectures.

Application:

Apply for the PalAss Exceptional Lecturer 

Register interest as host institution for the Innovations in Palaeontology Lecture Series