Author Description

The science of paleontology has seen major advances during the past decade. Paleontologists have learned to generate and test hypotheses using numerical methods. Statistical uncertainties in the temporal, spatial and environmental resolution of fossil data can be quantified unsing probabilitistic approaches to the point where most estimates of regional and global fossil diversity have been shown to be found in the face of additional sampling. Issues of public outreach are addressed, as is the issue of publications, mass media, databases and the destiny of university education.