A Mongolian and a South African palaeontologist speak to Ella Al-Shamahi about dinosaurs and education, as well as the fight to preserve their prehistoric legacy and stop illegal fossil trade.

Dr Bolortsetseg Minjin from Mongolia is the director of the Institute for the Study of Mongolian Dinosaurs. She is renowned for her discovery of 67 dinosaur fossils in the Gobi Desert within just one week. Bolorsetseg founded Mongolia’s first moveable dinosaur museum, bringing fossils and hands-on education to remote communities. She is a leading advocate against the illegal fossil trade and has played a key role in repatriating around 70 stolen Mongolian dinosaur fossils.

Dr Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan is a South African vertebrate palaeontologist best known for her pioneering work in the study of fossil bone and tooth microstructure. Despite the challenges of pursuing higher education as an Indian South African during apartheid, Anusuya became a leading figure in her field and a role model for women in science.

Produced by Emily Naylor

(Image: (L) Bolortsetseg Minjin courtesy Bolortsetseg Minjin. (R) Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan courtesy Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan.)