As part of our commitment to being an active and collaborative hub for palaeontological research, Karoo Origins – The Fossil Centre was thrilled to recently host several esteemed scientists and students from around the globe.
We were honoured to welcome Professor Julien Benoit from the Evolutionary Studies Institute at the University of the Witwatersrand. Prof Benoit is a leading figure in the fields of Paleobiology, Neuroscience and Evolutionary Biology, with his current research focusing on the pre-mammalian evolution of the central nervous system and sensory organs in Therapsida, using advanced computed tomography techniques.
Prof Benoit, a close colleague of Dr Bruce Rubidge, spent time at the centre engaging with local fossil material and the region’s unique geological context.
Accompanying Prof Benoit were his postgraduate students Joseph Chase’ (University of Rennes) and Jeremy Petex (École Normale Supérieure de Lyon), who visited Karoo Origins as part of their research activities. The students explored fossil localities at Ganora in Nieu Bethesda, Doornplaats, and Murraysburg, where they furthered their studies on Karoo biodiversity and fossil formation.
We also had the privilege of hosting Dr Valentin Buffa, a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Vertebrate Palaeontology at the Evolutionary Studies Institute (Wits). Dr Buffa’s work delves into the early evolution of reptiles during the Permian and Triassic periods of Africa. With a Ph.D. from the National Museum of Natural History in Paris, his cutting-edge research combines fieldwork with high-resolution X-ray CT scanning and computational modelling to understand ancient reptilian anatomy, movement, and evolutionary relationships—including species with exceptionally preserved soft tissue.
Adding to the excitement, we recently also welcomed Honours students from Nelson Mandela University, offering them exposure to the Karoo’s rich fossil heritage and insights into ongoing research happening here at the Fossil Centre.
These visits underscore the vital role that Karoo Origins plays not just as a public exhibition space, but as a vibrant research centre that supports and contributes to cutting-edge international palaeontological studies.
We are proud to facilitate these connections and collaborations that bring the ancient Karoo to life!