New Delhi, May 22 : Ashoka University, India’s premier institution for interdisciplinary higher education and research hosted globally recognised palaeontologist and bestselling author Professor Steve Brusatte for a special session titled “The Rise and Fall of the Dinosaurs” based on his best-selling book. The session was organised as part of a multi-year initiative that nurtures India’s brightest young minds through mentorship and global exposure - Lodha Genius at Ashoka University.
Steve Brusatte, a Professor of Palaeontology and Evolution at the University of Edinburgh, is widely recognised for his pioneering research on the evolution of dinosaurs, mammals, and birds. Over the course of his career, he has discovered and named more than a dozen new species of prehistoric animals and has authored over 150 scientific papers, alongside several bestselling books. A Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, Brusatte has received several academic honours and awards, over the years including Blavatnik Awards for Young Scientists, UK Life Sciences Laureate, Paleontological Association President's Medal, and others.
During the session, Professor Brusatte traced the evolutionary journey of dinosaurs, from their origins over 230 million years ago, through their rise to dominance, and their subsequent extinction following the asteroid impact. Drawing on his extensive fieldwork across the globe, he highlighted how fossil discoveries continue to reshape our understanding of life on Earth, and how interdisciplinary approaches, combining field research with advanced technologies such as imaging and data modelling, are transforming the science of paleontology.
Reflecting on the global momentum in the field and his interactions with students in India, Professor Steve Brusatte said,
“We’re living in a golden age of palaeontology, with around 50 new dinosaur species being discovered every year, almost one every week, by young people across the world who are out exploring and making discoveries. What’s exciting is that India has incredible untapped potential in this field, from some of the oldest dinosaurs dating back to Pangea to some of the largest species ever found like Rajasauras. There is so much more waiting to be discovered here. The opportunity is wide open, and I hope more young people in India take it up.
“You don’t need to be a professor or have a PhD. All you need is curiosity, persistence, patience, and an open mind. You never know what you might find,” he added.
Commenting on the session, Somak Raychaudhury, Vice-chancellor, Ashoka University, Delhi-NCR, said
“It is a pleasure to host Professor Brusatte and bring his work to our students. What makes palaeontology particularly compelling is that it sits at the intersection of multiple disciplines, from geology and biology to data science, and relies equally on rigorous fieldwork and analytical inquiry. Engaging with fields like this encourages students to think across timescales and systems, and to ask deeper questions about life and evolution. Such experiences are essential to nurturing curiosity and building the next generation of scientists and researchers.”
Lodha Genius at Ashoka University, launched in 2023, is a flagship initiative by the Lodha Foundation in partnership with Ashoka University, designed to nurture high-potential students from Grade 9 through their early careers. The fully funded, multi-year programme combines immersive academic learning with mentorship, hands-on experiences, and exposure to leading global voices including renowned scientists, academicians, and industry experts.