The ultra rich are collecting fossils, and that’s bad for science
Summary
This episode examines the booming market for dinosaur fossils, where celebrities and millionaires spend millions on specimens like T-Rex skeletons. Host Madeleine Finlay and correspondent Nicola Davis discuss the sale of a major UK Jurassic collection to Abu Dhabi, highlighting concerns that private ownership hinders scientific access. They explore the tension between private collectors and museums, noting that many journals reject studies on privately held fossils. The discussion also covers potential regulatory changes to prevent significant fossils from leaving the UK.
Topics discussed
Whole Foods Market sponsorship
Introduction: Celebrity fossil collecting boom
Sale of Chris Moore's Jurassic collection to Abu Dhabi
Scientific concerns over fossils leaving the UK
Codes of conduct for private fossil collectors
High-profile sales: DiCaprio, Cage, and T-Rex 'Gus'
Impact of private ownership on scientific research
Nicola Davis's fossil hunting experience on Jurassic Coast
AWS AI sponsorship
Proposals for export bans and international regulations
Credits and closing remarks
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