James Ronan – Palaeontologist, Science Communicator, Consultant

Communicating Earth’s Deep Past through Research, Storytelling, and Hands‑On Discovery

Did you know?
Non-avian dinosaurs went extinct 66 million years ago, but avian dinosaurs (birds) survived and thrived.

About Me

In the Judith River Formation of Montana, USA.

I am a vertebrate palaeontologist with an MSc in Palaeobiology from the University of Bristol. Passionate about vertebrate palaeontology, my fascination with dinosaurs began in childhood, sparking a lifelong drive to learn more about the world around me. I am particularly interested in hadrosaurs, duck-billed dinosaurs, but all dinosaur species captivate me. I work hard to maintain a grounded understanding of most major dinosaur groups.

*Edmontosaurus annectens* cast at Oxford University Museum of Natural History.

I collaborate with media studios, publishers and creative teams as a specialist palaeontology consultant, bringing scientific accuracy, narrative depth and creative insight to projects that explore prehistoric life. Whether it is shaping a book, documentary, game, or immersive experience, I help teams tell stories that are both credible and compelling. If you are curious about how I work with creative teams, you can explore my consultancy workflow and my consultancy services.

Dinosaur Accuracy Audit: A New Scientific Standard

I recently developed the Dinosaur Accuracy Audit, the first structured scientific‑accuracy assessment for dinosaur attractions, animatronics, exhibitions, and museum installations.

Why Palaeontology Matters

A special moment with the fossilised jaw of *Megalosaurus*, the first dinosaur ever named by William Buckland in 1824. At the Oxford University Museum of Natural History, 2026.

Dinosaurs, marine reptiles, and pterosaurs do more than capture the imagination, they reveal powerful lessons about evolution, extinction, and the environments shaping our future. Palaeontology helps us understand Earth’s changing history and our place within it.

Taking part in fieldwork on the Isle of Wight in 2022 was a fun experience. Image credit: Dinosaur Isle, 2022.

As an experienced palaeontologist passionate about science communication, it has been a pleasure to help shape engaging science content that transforms fossil facts into vivid storytelling and broadens public participation. Science communication is incredibly important, enabling people to learn more about the wonders of the fossil record.

Science Communication That Inspires

From fossil-rich expeditions in Montana’s Judith River Formation to museum outreach and school workshops, I have dedicated myself to sharing these marvels of natural history with the public. Whether it is through research, outreach, or storytelling, I aim to ignite imaginations and deepen understanding.

With Professor Steve Brusatte April 5th, 2022. Steve is the consultant for the *Jurassic World* films.

Wanting to bring that same sense of discovery beyond museums and field sites, I created a scientific dispatch dedicated to decoding dinosaur science and discovery.

The Palaeo Minute: A Prehistoric Dispatch

Subscribe for insider access to fossil discoveries and Mesozoic stories.

That is why I created The Palaeo Minute, a newsletter dedicated to sharing palaeontology from the frontier. It is the best of my work, a window into the prehistoric world. A place where I can excavate deep-time research and share with readers the amazing fossil discoveries transforming palaeontology.

The T. rex biting the clock’s minute hand symbolises change. Each new dinosaur discovery reshapes how we understand these animals and the time they lived in. The broken clock represents not time lost but time reimagined, reminding us that palaeontology evolves with each timely discovery.
Welcome to The Palaeo Minute

Faith & Purpose

Pursuing palaeontology as a career has required resilience, perseverance, and meticulous planning. As a practicing Catholic, my faith has been integral to my journey. I credit God’s grace for guiding me through challenges and opportunities alike, shaping the path that has led me here. Each field expedition, project, and outreach effort has shaped not only my understanding of Earth’s history, but also my purpose in sharing it. You can explore some of these experiences in the photos below.

Fossils & Outreach Moments

Pliosaurus carpenteri fossil on display in the Pliosaurus! Exhibition at Bristol Museum in 2018.
Pliosaurus model used to engage the public in the Pliosaurus! Exhibition in 2018.
Volunteering at Dinosaur Isle Museum on the Isle of Wight in 2019.
Co-leading fossil walks in Compton Bay on the Isle of Wight in 2019.
From 2018 to 2020, I ran school workshops across Bristol with The Bristol Dinosaur Project.
Fossil hunting in Charmouth in 2024.
Fossil hunting in Brook Chine on the Isle of Wight in 2026.
Iguanodontian footprint cast at Compton Bay in 2026.

This website brings together my research, fieldwork, and science communication and I am glad to share it with you.

Support Independent Palaeontology Outreach

Producing high‑quality palaeontology content takes time, research, and fieldwork. If my articles, insights, or educational resources have inspired you or deepened your understanding of Earth’s deep past, you can support the outreach side of my work.

Your support helps me create high‑quality palaeontology content, fund fieldwork, and keep science communication accessible for everyone.

Your contribution helps keep palaeontology accessible, accurate, and engaging for readers around the world, without intrusive ads or paywalls.

Support my science communication work at the button below.

Support my science outreach

Through donations you are helping keep palaeontology open, creative, and evolving.

Excavate The Mesozoic Era

Want a taste of The Palaeo Minute? Here is the very first edition, so you can experience the storytelling, science, and fieldwork insights that shape each dispatch.