Emma Dunne
@emmadnn.bsky.social
Palaeobiologist @tcddublin.bsky.social | deep-time biodiversity & macroevolution 🦕 🌍 | equity & ethics ⚖️ | 🇮🇪☘️ (she/sí) | All views my own.
https://emmadunne.github.io/
https://emmadunne.github.io/
Pinned
Emma Dunne
@emmadnn.bsky.social
· Apr 23
Delighted to share our paper on data equity in #palaeobiology as part of Paleobiology's 50th anniversary issue 🥳
We look at how palaeo data is collected, stored, curated & shared, and how equity in these processes is crucial for our field's future (1/n) 🧪⚒️
doi.org/10.1017/pab....
We look at how palaeo data is collected, stored, curated & shared, and how equity in these processes is crucial for our field's future (1/n) 🧪⚒️
doi.org/10.1017/pab....
Reposted by Emma Dunne
New paper is out 🔓!
We reconstructed the 145-myr diversity of sharks & rays using deep learning, unveiling hidden patterns:
- modern diversity levels by the Cretaceous 📈
- small decline in the K/Pg 🤏
- a peak in the Eocene 🌄
- a long-term decline towards the present �
www.cell.com/current-biol...
We reconstructed the 145-myr diversity of sharks & rays using deep learning, unveiling hidden patterns:
- modern diversity levels by the Cretaceous 📈
- small decline in the K/Pg 🤏
- a peak in the Eocene 🌄
- a long-term decline towards the present �
www.cell.com/current-biol...
January 22, 2026 at 4:18 PM
New paper is out 🔓!
We reconstructed the 145-myr diversity of sharks & rays using deep learning, unveiling hidden patterns:
- modern diversity levels by the Cretaceous 📈
- small decline in the K/Pg 🤏
- a peak in the Eocene 🌄
- a long-term decline towards the present �
www.cell.com/current-biol...
We reconstructed the 145-myr diversity of sharks & rays using deep learning, unveiling hidden patterns:
- modern diversity levels by the Cretaceous 📈
- small decline in the K/Pg 🤏
- a peak in the Eocene 🌄
- a long-term decline towards the present �
www.cell.com/current-biol...
Reposted by Emma Dunne
Our paper on the mysterious Devonian organism Prototaxites has now finally been published! See the paper here (www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...) and our explainer thread below!
Prototaxites reconstruction by Matt Humpage
Prototaxites reconstruction by Matt Humpage
January 21, 2026 at 7:25 PM
Our paper on the mysterious Devonian organism Prototaxites has now finally been published! See the paper here (www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...) and our explainer thread below!
Prototaxites reconstruction by Matt Humpage
Prototaxites reconstruction by Matt Humpage
Reposted by Emma Dunne
Really excited to have the new issue of Paleobiology @paleosoc.bsky.social out celebrating the 50th anniversary of #punctuatedequilibria #macroevolution #paleobiology #palaeontology #paleontology @nilese.bsky.social www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
Latest issue | Paleobiology | Cambridge Core
Paleobiology
www.cambridge.org
January 2, 2026 at 6:31 PM
Really excited to have the new issue of Paleobiology @paleosoc.bsky.social out celebrating the 50th anniversary of #punctuatedequilibria #macroevolution #paleobiology #palaeontology #paleontology @nilese.bsky.social www.cambridge.org/core/journal...
Reposted by Emma Dunne
The yearly round-up of #temnospondyl research from the past year for the first #FossilFriday post of the year: once again, a lot of stuff on European taxa but also a great mix of researchers involved in all sorts of interesting work!
🧵👇 (1/25ish?)
#temnospondyls #fossils #histology #anatomy
🧵👇 (1/25ish?)
#temnospondyls #fossils #histology #anatomy
January 2, 2026 at 6:46 PM
The yearly round-up of #temnospondyl research from the past year for the first #FossilFriday post of the year: once again, a lot of stuff on European taxa but also a great mix of researchers involved in all sorts of interesting work!
🧵👇 (1/25ish?)
#temnospondyls #fossils #histology #anatomy
🧵👇 (1/25ish?)
#temnospondyls #fossils #histology #anatomy
Reposted by Emma Dunne
Reposted by Emma Dunne
Excited to launch the new improved Reproducible Code guide from @britishecologicalsociety.org @methodsinecoevol.bsky.social FREE online here! www.britishecologicalsociety.org//wp-content/... Amazing work by some very talented ECRs. We hope it’s useful!
December 16, 2025 at 3:03 PM
Excited to launch the new improved Reproducible Code guide from @britishecologicalsociety.org @methodsinecoevol.bsky.social FREE online here! www.britishecologicalsociety.org//wp-content/... Amazing work by some very talented ECRs. We hope it’s useful!
Reposted by Emma Dunne
31 December 1795: birth of the remarkable Anna Gurney, Old English scholar, philologist, educator, abolitionist, philanthropist, with interests in botany, archaeology and geology. A contemporary of Mary Anning, she collected fossils from the Pleistocene Cromer Forest Bed on the north Norfolk coast.
December 31, 2025 at 8:09 AM
31 December 1795: birth of the remarkable Anna Gurney, Old English scholar, philologist, educator, abolitionist, philanthropist, with interests in botany, archaeology and geology. A contemporary of Mary Anning, she collected fossils from the Pleistocene Cromer Forest Bed on the north Norfolk coast.
Reposted by Emma Dunne
Hey, fellow evolutionary biologists:
If you support trans rights, like, comment, or repost this. I want to show that transphobes like Richard Dawkins are a loud minority that does not represent our community
If you support trans rights, like, comment, or repost this. I want to show that transphobes like Richard Dawkins are a loud minority that does not represent our community
And that’s a follow.
Actually I do have a question if you have a sec.
Without exception the most transphobic group of scientists I’ve run into online are evolutionary biologists. Every single one of them has expressed the same opinion: transness cannot be anything other than social contagion. Why?
Actually I do have a question if you have a sec.
Without exception the most transphobic group of scientists I’ve run into online are evolutionary biologists. Every single one of them has expressed the same opinion: transness cannot be anything other than social contagion. Why?
December 22, 2025 at 3:18 PM
Hey, fellow evolutionary biologists:
If you support trans rights, like, comment, or repost this. I want to show that transphobes like Richard Dawkins are a loud minority that does not represent our community
If you support trans rights, like, comment, or repost this. I want to show that transphobes like Richard Dawkins are a loud minority that does not represent our community
Reposted by Emma Dunne
New paper alert! 🚨 🐌
We studied historic Antarctic fossils from the Zinsmeister Collection to assess whether the K-Pg extinction, as recorded on Seymour Island, was sudden or gradual. We found that benthic life thrived in the 4 million years before the K-Pg.
doi.org/10.1016/j.pa...
We studied historic Antarctic fossils from the Zinsmeister Collection to assess whether the K-Pg extinction, as recorded on Seymour Island, was sudden or gradual. We found that benthic life thrived in the 4 million years before the K-Pg.
doi.org/10.1016/j.pa...
December 13, 2025 at 10:51 AM
New paper alert! 🚨 🐌
We studied historic Antarctic fossils from the Zinsmeister Collection to assess whether the K-Pg extinction, as recorded on Seymour Island, was sudden or gradual. We found that benthic life thrived in the 4 million years before the K-Pg.
doi.org/10.1016/j.pa...
We studied historic Antarctic fossils from the Zinsmeister Collection to assess whether the K-Pg extinction, as recorded on Seymour Island, was sudden or gradual. We found that benthic life thrived in the 4 million years before the K-Pg.
doi.org/10.1016/j.pa...
Reposted by Emma Dunne
Attendance at US-based science conferences is bouncing around this year but generally down. #AGU25 has ~10k fewer this year! I explored these trends for @nature.com — including solutions to keep conferences local & productive:
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
🧪
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
🧪
Scientists skip key US meetings — and seize on smaller alternatives
Researchers are devising creative ways to get together as Trump’s policies curb travel to US gatherings.
www.nature.com
December 16, 2025 at 5:18 PM
Attendance at US-based science conferences is bouncing around this year but generally down. #AGU25 has ~10k fewer this year! I explored these trends for @nature.com — including solutions to keep conferences local & productive:
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
🧪
www.nature.com/articles/d41...
🧪
Reposted by Emma Dunne
Thread 1 (from 12 September 2022)
This flower is called a Poinsettia in English. September is the best time to discuss the name's connection to colonialism and why I would never call this plant a poinsettia.
This flower is called a Poinsettia in English. September is the best time to discuss the name's connection to colonialism and why I would never call this plant a poinsettia.
October 23, 2024 at 11:15 AM
Thread 1 (from 12 September 2022)
This flower is called a Poinsettia in English. September is the best time to discuss the name's connection to colonialism and why I would never call this plant a poinsettia.
This flower is called a Poinsettia in English. September is the best time to discuss the name's connection to colonialism and why I would never call this plant a poinsettia.
Reposted by Emma Dunne
Leaders at @ukri.org should be seriously looking at the lottery first idea. 68% lower economic costs, increase in diversity of award holders and well received.
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Lottery before peer review is associated with increased female representation and reduced estimated economic cost in a German funding line - Nature Communications
The authors show evidence from a German funding line that a lottery-first approach followed by peer review is accompanied by increased female representation both at the submission stage and among fund...
www.nature.com
December 11, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Leaders at @ukri.org should be seriously looking at the lottery first idea. 68% lower economic costs, increase in diversity of award holders and well received.
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
www.nature.com/articles/s41...
Reposted by Emma Dunne
#YOURPALAEOLIFE IS BACK! But we’re a bit different this time - If you're an established researcher, over 5 years post-PhD, it’s time to shine. Tell us about your field work ambitions, triumphs and (rock-) crushing disappointments.
#whenthestudentsaway #thePIgetstoplay
forms.gle/etx3gqg7DWZb...
#whenthestudentsaway #thePIgetstoplay
forms.gle/etx3gqg7DWZb...
#Yourpalaeolife Part II: the PI perspective
Hello everybody!
Welcome to the second part of this anonymous survey about field work in palaeontology - this time, we want to hear from ESTABLISHED CAREER PALAEONTOLOGISTS (more than 5 years post-PhD...
forms.gle
December 11, 2025 at 5:03 PM
#YOURPALAEOLIFE IS BACK! But we’re a bit different this time - If you're an established researcher, over 5 years post-PhD, it’s time to shine. Tell us about your field work ambitions, triumphs and (rock-) crushing disappointments.
#whenthestudentsaway #thePIgetstoplay
forms.gle/etx3gqg7DWZb...
#whenthestudentsaway #thePIgetstoplay
forms.gle/etx3gqg7DWZb...
Reposted by Emma Dunne
We'll be hosting a joint Crossing the Palaeontological–Ecological Gap (CPEG) meeting & Conservation Paleobiology Symposium @ucl.ac.uk in London in August 2027, which aims to bridge spatial and temporal gradients between palaeontology, ecology, and conservation: www.ucl.ac.uk/mathematical...
December 8, 2025 at 3:42 PM
We'll be hosting a joint Crossing the Palaeontological–Ecological Gap (CPEG) meeting & Conservation Paleobiology Symposium @ucl.ac.uk in London in August 2027, which aims to bridge spatial and temporal gradients between palaeontology, ecology, and conservation: www.ucl.ac.uk/mathematical...
Reposted by Emma Dunne
Very excited to share that our latest paper is out in Science! We show that the type specimen of Nanotyrannus—an isolated skull—is fully grown, showing that it is not a juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex but a distinct species (1/12)
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
www.science.org
December 4, 2025 at 7:02 PM
Very excited to share that our latest paper is out in Science! We show that the type specimen of Nanotyrannus—an isolated skull—is fully grown, showing that it is not a juvenile Tyrannosaurus rex but a distinct species (1/12)
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
www.science.org/doi/10.1126/...
Reposted by Emma Dunne
⚡The GBIF Indigenous Data Governance task group led by
@1nativesoilnerd.bsky.social is seeking inputs to help inform and define future work on Indigenous data rights, interest, governance and sovereignty.
Contribute to the survey! 🔗
gbif.link/Indigenous-d...
@localcontexts.bsky.social
@1nativesoilnerd.bsky.social is seeking inputs to help inform and define future work on Indigenous data rights, interest, governance and sovereignty.
Contribute to the survey! 🔗
gbif.link/Indigenous-d...
@localcontexts.bsky.social
November 25, 2025 at 12:11 PM
⚡The GBIF Indigenous Data Governance task group led by
@1nativesoilnerd.bsky.social is seeking inputs to help inform and define future work on Indigenous data rights, interest, governance and sovereignty.
Contribute to the survey! 🔗
gbif.link/Indigenous-d...
@localcontexts.bsky.social
@1nativesoilnerd.bsky.social is seeking inputs to help inform and define future work on Indigenous data rights, interest, governance and sovereignty.
Contribute to the survey! 🔗
gbif.link/Indigenous-d...
@localcontexts.bsky.social
Reposted by Emma Dunne
A preprint of my first PhD chapter is out 👩🏽💻
Using an extensive fossil dataset with #deeplearning #DeepDive 🤿
& time-series analysis 📈📉 we model the dynamics of SA mammalian diversity over the Cenozoic, accounting for spatial & temporal biases inherent to the #fossil record
🧵1/2
Using an extensive fossil dataset with #deeplearning #DeepDive 🤿
& time-series analysis 📈📉 we model the dynamics of SA mammalian diversity over the Cenozoic, accounting for spatial & temporal biases inherent to the #fossil record
🧵1/2
Splendid isolation with migration: Diversity dynamics of South American mammals https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2025.11.28.691169v1
December 2, 2025 at 12:39 AM
A preprint of my first PhD chapter is out 👩🏽💻
Using an extensive fossil dataset with #deeplearning #DeepDive 🤿
& time-series analysis 📈📉 we model the dynamics of SA mammalian diversity over the Cenozoic, accounting for spatial & temporal biases inherent to the #fossil record
🧵1/2
Using an extensive fossil dataset with #deeplearning #DeepDive 🤿
& time-series analysis 📈📉 we model the dynamics of SA mammalian diversity over the Cenozoic, accounting for spatial & temporal biases inherent to the #fossil record
🧵1/2
Reposted by Emma Dunne
DAFNEE, a useful database of academic-friendly journals in #Ecology and Evolutionary #Biology
academic.oup.com/jeb/advance-...
academic.oup.com/jeb/advance-...
Time to publish responsibly: DAFNEE, a database of academia-friendly journals in ecology and evolutionary biology
Abstract. The current economics of scientific publishing reveal a profound imbalance: academia pays prices far exceeding the actual costs of publication. R
academic.oup.com
December 2, 2025 at 7:06 AM
DAFNEE, a useful database of academic-friendly journals in #Ecology and Evolutionary #Biology
academic.oup.com/jeb/advance-...
academic.oup.com/jeb/advance-...
Reposted by Emma Dunne
Cosupervising x2 🇬🇧 PhD projects advertising now:
'The effects of climate cooling on evolution of Antarctic Eocene benthic communities' (BAS/Bristol) shorturl.at/MiWqJ
'Testing novel archives of seawater chemistry in biogenic carbonate' (Leeds): share.google/dbojTRZme92R...
Deadlines early Jan '26
'The effects of climate cooling on evolution of Antarctic Eocene benthic communities' (BAS/Bristol) shorturl.at/MiWqJ
'Testing novel archives of seawater chemistry in biogenic carbonate' (Leeds): share.google/dbojTRZme92R...
Deadlines early Jan '26
December 1, 2025 at 9:55 AM
Cosupervising x2 🇬🇧 PhD projects advertising now:
'The effects of climate cooling on evolution of Antarctic Eocene benthic communities' (BAS/Bristol) shorturl.at/MiWqJ
'Testing novel archives of seawater chemistry in biogenic carbonate' (Leeds): share.google/dbojTRZme92R...
Deadlines early Jan '26
'The effects of climate cooling on evolution of Antarctic Eocene benthic communities' (BAS/Bristol) shorturl.at/MiWqJ
'Testing novel archives of seawater chemistry in biogenic carbonate' (Leeds): share.google/dbojTRZme92R...
Deadlines early Jan '26
Reposted by Emma Dunne
Importantly, this study was done with the contribution of several undergraduate students who helped my collect the data as part of a year 1 course I am teaching (if you are interested in more detail see here: link.springer.com/article/10.1...)
5/5
5/5
Participatory science and course-based undergraduate research experience to improve research-informed teaching of evolution and palaeontology - Evolution: Education and Outreach
This study introduces a participatory science-inspired approach to teaching and curriculum design, involving undergraduate students directly in active research. Using a case study on dinosaur eye size...
link.springer.com
December 1, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Importantly, this study was done with the contribution of several undergraduate students who helped my collect the data as part of a year 1 course I am teaching (if you are interested in more detail see here: link.springer.com/article/10.1...)
5/5
5/5
Reposted by Emma Dunne
Why such a long face? In our new paper, we quantified dinosaur skull geometry and proportions and tested their functional impact. www.cell.com/iscience/ful...
(Artwork by Andy Frazer @dragonsofwales.bsky.social)
1/5
(Artwork by Andy Frazer @dragonsofwales.bsky.social)
1/5
December 1, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Why such a long face? In our new paper, we quantified dinosaur skull geometry and proportions and tested their functional impact. www.cell.com/iscience/ful...
(Artwork by Andy Frazer @dragonsofwales.bsky.social)
1/5
(Artwork by Andy Frazer @dragonsofwales.bsky.social)
1/5
What a wonderful way to mark the end of my time at @fau.de - with an award for teaching, nominated by the many amazing students I had the pleasure of working with ✨
Though the certificate is not nearly as special the incredible leaving card they *hand made* for me & @taphonomist.bsky.social! 🥰🐙🦎
Though the certificate is not nearly as special the incredible leaving card they *hand made* for me & @taphonomist.bsky.social! 🥰🐙🦎
December 1, 2025 at 3:49 PM
What a wonderful way to mark the end of my time at @fau.de - with an award for teaching, nominated by the many amazing students I had the pleasure of working with ✨
Though the certificate is not nearly as special the incredible leaving card they *hand made* for me & @taphonomist.bsky.social! 🥰🐙🦎
Though the certificate is not nearly as special the incredible leaving card they *hand made* for me & @taphonomist.bsky.social! 🥰🐙🦎
Reposted by Emma Dunne
Honoured to have contributed to a new paper in @currentbiology.bsky.social led by Mario Bronzati and lots of excellent and brainy (yes, pun intended) colleagues, showing that pterosaurs and birds evolved flight-capable brains but in different ways. www.cell.com/current-biol...
November 27, 2025 at 9:59 AM
Honoured to have contributed to a new paper in @currentbiology.bsky.social led by Mario Bronzati and lots of excellent and brainy (yes, pun intended) colleagues, showing that pterosaurs and birds evolved flight-capable brains but in different ways. www.cell.com/current-biol...
Reposted by Emma Dunne
🎉 Children's Book of the Year! 🎉
Gavin and I will be signing copies at Foyles, Charing Cross Road, tonight! And there's mulled wine and mince pies for free, and lots of other exciting authors too.
www.foyles.co.uk/highlights/f...
Gavin and I will be signing copies at Foyles, Charing Cross Road, tonight! And there's mulled wine and mince pies for free, and lots of other exciting authors too.
www.foyles.co.uk/highlights/f...
www.foyles.co.uk
November 27, 2025 at 10:24 AM
🎉 Children's Book of the Year! 🎉
Gavin and I will be signing copies at Foyles, Charing Cross Road, tonight! And there's mulled wine and mince pies for free, and lots of other exciting authors too.
www.foyles.co.uk/highlights/f...
Gavin and I will be signing copies at Foyles, Charing Cross Road, tonight! And there's mulled wine and mince pies for free, and lots of other exciting authors too.
www.foyles.co.uk/highlights/f...