The Vital Link Between Passion and Science: The Association of Applied Paleontological Sciences (AAPS)

The cooperative symbiotic relationship between passionate and dedicated collectors of life on Earth’s history and the scientific community is essential. The Association of Applied Paleontological Sciences (AAPS) was organized in 1978 to accomplish this purpose by supporting all aspects that enable invaluable paleontological study of our world by analyzing fossils of plants, animals, and other organisms. Through their connection to AAPS, commercial fossil dealers, collectors, enthusiasts, and academic paleontologists commit to high standards of fossil collection and work in close cooperation with scientific research teams, museums and agencies, exhibition management, and educators to further paleontological pursuits.

Membership in the society is open to the public. It requires dedication to the high-standard business practices and ethics of The National Academy of Sciences Report on Paleontological Collecting, now included in the AAPS Constitution. These guidelines include continued education of current regulations from local to international levels, ethical collection by members and that from sourced material, accurate representation of all specimens, including alterations or restoration performed, and exceptional standard of business practice. Additionally, discoveries deemed scientifically or publicly necessary must be reported to experts, and cooperation with agencies, institutions, and organizations involved in paleontological pursuits is always expected to foster a collective greater understanding of our world by all.

The AAPS maintains and administers several privately funded educational and research grants to promote interest and flourishment in the paleontological realm. With the broad range of requirements to apply, the various grants cater to many levels of students and educators, collectors and enthusiasts, and commercial paleontologists worldwide who seek to further cooperation through the cycle of education, collection, and scientific documentation.

The annual AAPS auction is paramount in supporting its mission through tax-deductible donations from its members. Items for bid include the acclaimed Paleobond lab coat, donated by member Bill Mason in 1995. Since then, it has been auctioned off over twenty-eight times to recipients in the States, Canada, the UK, and Morocco. Guest speakers, notable members, and visiting paleontologists have creatively signed the coat. The auction allows its winner-bidders to publish notoriety in the AAPS Guide distributed throughout the Tucson show.

Despite ever-changing social, political, and economic climates, the beneficial impact of AAPS members on the commercial and scientific paleontological community remains undeniable. Former AAPS president Craig Kissick’s quote, “A fossil not collected is a fossil not protected,” embodies the associations’ drive to transform tactile efforts into present and future growth and understanding of the paleontological industry that members have been dedicated to for nearly half a century.

The association's annual meeting is held in conjunction with the Tucson Gem, Mineral & Fossil Showcase. It includes a dinner banquet, officer elections, grants and scholarships, awards presentations, and the renowned auction. The Embassy Suites by Hilton Tucson East is the new hosting location for the February 8, 2025, meeting, which the general public is invited to attend.

More information about AAPS can be found on their website. Details about event locations and dates can be found here, and you can visit Xpo Press’ AAPS profile page. Contact information, more photos, and social media links can also be found here.