National Library of Australia

Fellowship presentation: Early Philippine Palaeontology

Dr Pauline Basilia presents her recent Fellowship research on the contributions of H. Otley Beyer to Philippine Pleistocene research.

ACT Arts Guide

Event Details

Category

ACT Arts Guide

Event Starts

Apr 30, 2026 12:30

Event Ends

Apr 30, 2026 13:30

Venue

National Library of Australia

Location

Parkes Place West, Parkes ACT, Australia

Dr Pauline Basilia presents her recent Fellowship research on the contributions of H. Otley Beyer to Philippine Pleistocene research.

As the founder of Philippine archaeological, ethnological, and anthropological research, Henry Otley Beyer is remembered for his dedication to the Philippines and to the study of Filipino culture and history. Among his lesser-known interests was Philippine palaeontology, a field then largely unexplored. Drawing on his collected works, correspondence, and materials from the Beyer Collection, this study examines the early foundations of Philippine palaeontology and considers Philippine archaeology from Beyer’s perspective.

Entry to this event is free but bookings are essential. The presentation will also be available online. Please make a booking and you will be sent a direct link to the livestream event via email. Or you can join anytime through the Library’s YouTube channel.

About Dr Pauline Basilia

As one of the few Filipino palaeontologists actively working on Pleistocene material, Pauline Basilia strives to decolonise our understanding of the development of Philippine palaeontology. The discipline’s markedly slow progress is partly affected by scattered and incomplete documentation in its early years. Her research aims to reconcile data on early explorations for use in present and future projects.

Pauline gained her Masters in Archaeology degree at the School of Archaeology, University of the Philippines and has been practicing archaeology through teaching and field work. In 2023, she received her doctoral degree from Griffith University, Queensland studying Pleistocene elephants and stegodons from islands. Currently, she is a Research Fellow at Far Eastern University, Manila and an Adjunct Fellow for Griffith University. Her current investigation on Philippine palaeontology is the natural extension of her PhD work in strengthening Philippine palaeontological research.

About National Library Fellowships.

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