Following the success of the 2024 trip, UNE’s leading paleontologists, Dr. Phil Bell and Dr. Nic Campione, are planning another expedition to Mongolia’s Gobi Desert in September 2025. And we are excited to open the opportunity to join them again!
This unique adventure offers participants a chance to hunt for fossils in one of the world’s richest paleontological regions while working alongside dinosaur experts. The best part is that It is not only for aspiring paleontologists but for anyone with a passion for history, science, and adventure.
Dr. Bell and Dr. Campione, who led the 2024 expedition with six UNE students and alumni, are eager to offer this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity again in 2025. It will explore new areas of the Gobi Desert and uncover fresh fossil discoveries, all while contributing to ongoing research aimed at understanding the dinosaurs that once thrived there.
The Gobi Desert is renowned for its exceptional fossil discoveries, and paleontological exploration in the area has lasted more than a century. The desert has yielded iconic dinosaur species such as the Velociraptor, Gallimimus, and Tarbosaurus, making it an invaluable site for understanding the prehistoric world.
Dr. Phil Bell, a highly regarded Australian paleontologist, has over two decades of experience in the field. He has pioneered the application of geochemistry to trace the origins of illegally excavated fossils in Mongolia. Dr. Bell has also led numerous expeditions in Australia, Canada, and Mongolia. His expertise and passion for the science will surely enrich the experience for all participants. Dr. Nic Campione, another renowned expert, specialises in dinosaurs' long-term evolution and extinction, mainly focusing on body size evolution. Educated in the Canadian Badlands, Dr. Campione has led fieldwork in various countries, including Canada, Australia, Uruguay, and Mongolia. His expertise will provide valuable insights into the complex evolutionary history of the dinosaurs of the Gobi Desert.
Throughout the two-week journey, participants will work closely with Dr. Bell and Dr. Campione, learning firsthand about the techniques used to unearth and study fossils. They will help to excavate fossils, experience the thrill of discovery, and contribute to ongoing research that helps piece together the story of how the dinosaurs of the Gobi once lived.
Dr. Bell and Dr. Campione are excited to invite UNE students, staff, and other interested individuals to join them in this thrilling exploration of the Gobi Desert. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this incredible journey—an experience that promises to be as enriching as it is extraordinary.
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