WHO WE ARE
The Hong Kong Palaeontology Research Centre Limited is a limited company registered in Hong Kong. Academic research is at our core, and we translate first-hand scientific research experiences into science education, public communication, and professional consultancy services. Its founder, Dr Fion Ma, is a Hong Kong-born palaeontologist. Through the Centre, she aims to conduct academic research while advancing natural history and Earth science education in Hong Kong.


DINOSAUR RESEARCH & SPONSORSHIP: A CENTURY-OLD HISTORY
Palaeontology—especially dinosaur research—has frequently received support from patrons, enterprises, and organisations since the 19th century. From early private and corporate-funded excavations to the transportation, equipment, and media partnerships that backed large-scale 20th-century field expeditions, commercial and institutional sponsorship has never been an afterthought—it has always been an integral part of bringing palaeontology into the public eye. We hope to carry forward this healthy tradition: sponsorships make expeditions and education possible, while scientific conclusions remain strictly independent.


HONG KONG PALAEONTOLOGISTS
Palaeontology is often described as a "niche subject" in Hong Kong. Compared with most disciplines, relatively few Hong Kong students study the subject. In recent years, there has been a steady stream of Hong Kong students completing bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in palaeontology at universities overseas. As far as the Hong Kong Palaeontology Research Centre is aware, however, most graduates have since moved into other industries.

The Hong Kong Palaeontology Research Centre is still operating on a small scale. Day-to-day operations, as well as its research, education, and consultancy work, are currently primarily handled by the founder. As this work develops, we hope the Centre can become a platform for local people with relevant training to take part—and, where individual projects allow, to involve more Hong Kong palaeontology students and graduates on a flexible basis.


HOW RESEARCH IS SUPPORTED
Research at the Hong Kong Palaeontology Research Centre is not a commercial activity; it is academic in nature. At present, our research is largely self-funded. Education and consultancy are currently the Centre’s main sources of income, and they help sustain the research. Some overseas collaborators cover local field expenses for joint expeditions. Travel from Hong Kong, however, together with independently undertaken research, conferences, and other academic activities, still depends largely on that same income.

We seek sponsorship so that fieldwork, research, and education can continue on a more stable basis, without having to rely entirely on income from education and consultancy.