Discoveries of various fossils might have never come to light without the efforts of dedicated amateurs in the field of paleontology.
In the current era, often hailed as a "golden age" for paleontology globally, significant discoveries and advanced research methods have been made, particularly in rich fossil sites like Egypt’s Wadi Al-Hitan [2]. However, the distribution of research funding and support shows a geographic imbalance, with higher-income countries, predominantly outside Europe, concentrating more resources and collaborations.
This imbalance is particularly evident in Europe, and France in particular. Evidence suggests that the funding and support for paleontology in these regions are more limited compared to global leaders in the field. European countries, including France, tend to have fewer dedicated resources and are less dominant in publishing and research output relative to wealthier nations such as North America or Australia [1].
The result is a paleontological landscape in France and other European countries that is characterized by a lack of resources, support, and recruitment. The number of young researchers in paleontology is decreasing, and the discipline faces significant challenges [3]. Recruitment of paleontologists is a significant issue, with fewer opportunities and resources available compared to other regions [4].
Despite the challenges, the number of new fossil species being found can be considered a sign of a "golden age" [5]. However, these discoveries often come from collaborative efforts and are less emblematic of a leading "golden age" from a funding and institutional support perspective [1].
The state of paleontological science varies depending on the region, with the discipline struggling in France and other European countries. Paleontology in these regions is facing a tough fight for resources and support [6]. The state of the science in Europe is in poor condition compared to wealthier nations or globally leading research centers [1][2].
In conclusion, while paleontology as a science globally is thriving with remarkable discoveries and an abundance of novel findings, the "golden age" label is more applicable at an international scale rather than uniformly across all regions. Paleontology in France and other European countries is in a challenging position, with limited funding, support, and recruitment, making it a difficult landscape for young researchers to navigate.
- Science today, particularly paleontology, witnesses a remarkable era of advancement, as evidenced by discoveries in rich fossil sites like Egypt’s Wadi Al-Hitan.
- Even so, the distribution of research funding and support shows a geographic imbalance, with wealthier countries, such as North America or Australia, concentrating more resources and collaborations compared to Europe.
- In the European context, specifically France, the funding and support for paleontology are more limited, resulting in a paleontological landscape that lacks resources, support, and recruitment.
- Technology, education, and self-development are not exceptions to this imbalance, as European countries, including France, tend to have fewer dedicated resources and produce less in publication and research output relative to wealthier nations.
- Entertainment, general news, medical-conditions, space-and-astronomy, lifestyle, sports, and weather journalism also reflect this trend, as the state of paleontological science varies depending on the region, with the discipline in France and other European countries facing a tough fight for resources and support.
