It was with great sadness that we learned of the passing of palaeontologist Mark Norell last week.  Mark was research associate and chairman of palaeontology at the American Museum of Natural History. His contribution to the science of palaeontology was immense, he will be dearly missed.  We contacted the American Museum of Natural History in New York and enquired about an obituary.  Kendra Snyder (Assistant Director of Science Communication), explained that they had worked closely with The New York Times, and an obituary had been published this weekend.

Mark had been suffering from ill health for some time.  He continued to pursue a number of projects, for example he was the scientific advisor to PNSO. The palaeontological community is in mourning.  He was a visionary scientist with a gift for communication.  His research forever changed our perception of the Dinosauria. Norell’s impact was most noticeable in the study of feathered theropod dinosaurs. His work inspired countless students and researchers around the world.

Palaeontologist Mark Norell who sadly passed away last week. We first came across the work of this remarkable palaeontologist when we were sent a copy of the book “Unearthing the Dragon”. Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur.

Picture credit: Everything Dinosaur

Palaeontologist Mark Norell

He was at the forefront of research into feathered dinosaurs in the 1990s.  He worked closely with several notable Chinese palaeontologists helping to document the remarkable fossils unearthed in Liaoning Province. Through meticulous study of oviraptorids, troodontids, and other theropods, he provided compelling evidence that feathers, nests, and brooding behaviours evolved deep within Dinosauria.

Mark Norell’s passing leaves a void, but his legacy endures in every fossil exhibit, in every student he inspired, and in every new discovery shaped by his work. He showed us that dinosaurs were far more dynamic, complex, and bird-like than once imagined. His contributions will continue to resonate for generations.

He wrote or co-authored numerous books.  For example, we were sent a copy of “Unearthing the Dragon”, a book documenting Mark’s adventures exploring the amazing fossils of Liaoning Province.  The book, co-written with Mick Ellison provided a personal account of his work in China.

“Unearthing the Dragon”

“Unearthing the Dragon” was one of the first books about dinosaurs that we were sent.  We were not surprised when Mark became the scientific advisor to PNSO.  He leaves behind an amazing body of work, Sue and I would like to express our condolences to Mark’s family, his work colleagues and to those many fortunate people who regarded him as a friend.