Celebrating Dinosaur Island Event

In late September 2013 the University of Southampton is hosting an unique international conference that will bring together vertebrate palaeontologists from the UK and China at the National Oceanography Centre. Rocks on the Isle of Wight (the Wealden) and in northern China (the Jehol) contain many of the best fossils in the world of dinosaurs and other animals that are earliest Cretaceous in age (110 million years old).

On Day One, the 20th September, speakers will present the results of their recent research at the National Oceanography Centre, including keynotes from Chinese palaeontologists. On Day Two, the 21st September, the conference moves to the Isle of Wight. We will visit a number of famous, historical but still hugely productive dinosaur localities, meet local collectors and see the Dinosaur Isle Museum in Sandown. The conference will be rounded off with a dinner on the Saturday night.

The famous Iguanodon sacrum examined by Richard Owen and figured in 1849 was originally found at Brook on the Isle of Wight in 1825. This specimen is the iconic 'first dinosaur'. To commemorate the importance of this discovery and its important Island connection, we are commissioning a plaque to unveil on the second day of the Conference. It is hoped that this could be permanently housed at Dinosaur Isle Museum in Sandown. We have been pledged some funding for this project from the Destination Management Organisation of the Isle of Wight, the new tourist group which will be heavily involved with all matters connected with dinosaurs in the coming year. Some major discoveries and films will put the spotlight directly on the Isle of Wight and the Isle of Wight Visitor Attractions Association will be working with Southampton to promote the conference and involve local businesses.

For further information please email: gareth.dyke@soton.ac.uk