John Nudds

Dr John Nudds is an Honorary Lecturer in the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences at The University of Manchester. He holds academic affiliations with the South Wales Geological Association and Manchester Geological Association. His career includes roles as Keeper of Geology at Manchester University Museum (1988–2003) and Curator of Geology at Trinity College Dublin (1980–1988). He co-authored leading textbooks such as Evolution of Fossil Ecosystems and Fossil Ecosystems of North America.

• Education: BSc (Nottingham, 1972), PhD (Durham, 1975)

Research focuses on dinosaur embryology (using synchrotron techniques), exceptional fossil preservation, and the dinosaur-bird transition. Notable projects include studies on Archaeopteryx and Tyrannosaurus rex pathology. He co-discovered Dracoraptor, the first Welsh theropod dinosaur in 2016.

His work bridges academia and private fossil collectors, recovering specimens like dinosaur embryos and new Archaeopteryx species. Collaborations include the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF).