Welcome!

The Paleoanthropology Society was founded in 1992. It recognizes that paleoanthropology is multidisciplinary in nature and the organization's central goal is to bring together physical anthropologists, archaeologists, paleontologists, geologists and a range of other researchers whose work has the potential to shed light on hominid behavioral and biological evolution.

The Society has a new Secretary

Dr. John Polk has volunteered to serve as the Paleoanthropology Society Secretary. Since he is the only candidate, a formal election is not necessary. His 3-year term began in June 2022. John is a biological anthropologist who is Director of the Human Biology Program, University at Albany (State University of New York). He can be reached by email at Secretary@paleoanthro.org

Statement on the Transport of Fossils to Sub-Orbit

The Paleoanthropology Society represents scientists focused on the study of human origins and evolution. Human and early hominin fossils are essential to our understanding of the biology of humans and our early relatives. We strongly encourage responsible stewardship and care of these unique, rare and irreplaceable resources for future generations. 

We join our partner organization, ESHE, in failing to see any scientific merit in sending fossils (especially Type specimens) on a spaceflight. 

We urge all local, administrative and government organizations charged with care of fossil resources, to fully weigh the scientific merits and all potential risks for each proposed use.  

Similarly, we encourage science-focused media outlets to focus on scientific results and discovery rather than self-promotion and publicity.