Dinosaurs
This page features some of our amazing dinosaur research.

The Buzz S3, E2: What killed the dinosaurs?
Dinosaurs 26th May 2022
Could exciting new evidence help us finally reveal what killed the dinosaurs? We speak to Professor Phil Manning to answer this colossal question!

Tanis treasure: Unearthing the secrets of dinosaurs’ last day
Departments 21st April 2022
Manchester researchers work with Sir David Attenborough and the BBC to spectacularly reveal what happened on the final day of the dinosaurs.

ScienceX: The eXtravaganza returns… greener than ever!
Social responsibility 4th November 2021
ScienceX 2021 proved a huge success – with children exploring the wonders of science and engineering, and climate change taking centre stage.

The Buzz Episode 3 – Mission Jurassic
Dinosaurs 30th April 2020
In this episode of The Buzz, we’re talking about dinosaurs and learning about one of the University’s most exciting projects – Mission Jurassic.

On a mission to uncover the secrets of the Jurassic Mile
Dinosaurs 7th June 2019
There’s something exciting going on in the Badlands of Wyoming, and we’ve dug up a few clues for you. Join us as we introduce the real Jurassic Park.

Sir William Boyd Dawkins – an extraordinary study
Dinosaurs 28th January 2019
Discover the extraordinary story of academic and explorer William Boyd Dawkins, the first Professor of Geology and Palaeontology at Manchester and former Curator of Manchester Museum, whose incredible study is recreated at Buxton Museum and Art Gallery.

Famous big-head solves co-fossil mystery
Departments 16th January 2019
A detailed digital 3D model of a colossal skull has been created – and the creature it came from is the key to unlocking one of the UK’s longest standing dinosaur mysteries.

Why ‘Phantom’ Archaeopteryx discovery has scientists in a flap
Departments 25th October 2018
Since its discovery 150 years ago, scientists have heralded Archaeopteryx as the ‘missing link’ in the evolution of dinosaurs to modern birds. A transitional fossil, the species was commonly referred to as Urvogel – meaning “first bird”. But as is so often the case, once something reaches such lofty heights, it’s human nature to want […]

Baby bird proves big deal to palaeontologists
Departments 14th March 2018
A tiny bird that was smaller than your little finger and lived the briefest of lives has proven itself a giant of fossil history. The chick in the picture below may look like a character from a Disney remake of Walking With Dinosaurs, but this little chap has provided us with a valuable insight into […]

New predator shows its teeth
Departments 28th February 2018
Fuxianhuiid – it may not be simple to say but these ancient arthropods have always seemed like pretty simple animals in all other respects. However, things aren’t always what they seem and the discovery of a new type of fuxianhuiid has provided a valuable insight into how predators evolved. A team of scientists including Dr […]