Anthony Romilio | Biology and Life Sciences | Best Researcher Award
Dr Anthony Romilio, The University of Queensland, Australia
Dr. Anthony Romilio 🦖🔍 is a trailblazing palaeontologist at The University of Queensland, specializing in digitizing and analyzing dinosaur trackways using Blender 3D and Python 🖥️. His innovative Dinosaur Behaviour Reconstruction Framework has reshaped the study of extinct species. Recognized as Australia’s top palaeontology researcher (2023-2025) 🏆, his discoveries—like dinosaur footprints on cave ceilings—captivate global audiences. A passionate educator and outreach advocate 🎓, Dr. Romilio inspires future scientists in schools and rural communities. His work extends to veterinary education, creating tech-driven resources to enhance student learning 🐾. An international speaker and citizen science advocate, his impact spans continents 🌍.
Publication Profile
Education and Outreach
Dr. Anthony Romilio 🦖 is an award-winning educator at The University of Queensland, twice named ‘Most Effective Teacher’ by the Executive Dean of Science. 🌟 His dedication shone during the COVID-19 pandemic, earning him awards for ‘Excellence in Response to COVID’ and ‘Outstanding Service to the School.’ 👨🏫 Dr. Romilio extends his passion beyond the university, bringing palaeontology to rural and Indigenous schools. 🏫✨ In collaboration with the Brisbane Urban Environmental Education Centre, he engages students with fossil plaster replicas and augmented reality dinosaurs, sparking curiosity and inspiring future scientists. 🧑🔬🦕
Research and Innovation
Dr. Romilio 🦖 has pioneered techniques using Blender 3D and Python 🧑💻 to digitize and analyze dinosaur trackways. His innovative tools extract trackway parameters and biometrics with precision, offering new insights into extinct species’ movement and behavior. His work enables the study of trackways stretching hundreds of meters with exceptional detail. Dr. Romilio’s Dinosaur Behaviour Reconstruction Framework integrates science and technology, advancing both research and education 📚. By applying machine learning to footprint morphology, he has transformed fossil track classification. His groundbreaking contributions earned him Australia’s top palaeontology researcher title for 2023-2025 🏆.
International Collaboration and Advocacy
Dr. Romilio 🌏 is a renowned speaker who has captivated audiences in China 🇨🇳, Korea 🇰🇷, and Germany 🇩🇪 with his expertise in palaeontology. A passionate advocate for citizen science 👨🔬👩🔬, he champions community involvement in preserving and studying fossil tracksites 🦖🦶. His dedication ensures these ancient footprints remain a vital part of scientific exploration for future generations. Through collaborative efforts 🤝, Dr. Romilio has revitalized long-overlooked sites, highlighting their importance and bringing them to the forefront of palaeontological research 🔍📜. His work continues to inspire and engage global audiences in the wonders of Earth’s prehistoric past.
Media Engagement and Public Recognition
Dr. Romilio’s groundbreaking research has captivated the public, with media coverage generating over AU$50 million in advertising equivalence. Notable discoveries include dinosaur footprints on cave ceilings, ancient crocodiles that walked like dinosaurs, and trackways of massive Jurassic predators. His ability to communicate complex scientific findings in an engaging and accessible manner has made him a prominent figure in bridging the gap between academia and the public. Through his work, Dr. Romilio has not only expanded our understanding of prehistoric life but also sparked widespread interest in paleontology. 🦖🦕📚🌍📸
Current Endeavours
Dr. Romilio is currently applying his innovative approach to developing educational resources for veterinary science undergraduates at The University of Queensland. His resources aim to enhance students’ clinical skills and boost their confidence, all while minimizing their reliance on live animal patients during early training stages. By incorporating cutting-edge technology into veterinary education, Dr. Romilio is revolutionizing how students are trained, ensuring they gain crucial skills in a more controlled and ethical environment. This work highlights his commitment to advancing education and professional development, making a lasting impact on the future of veterinary science. 🐾📚💡
Research Focus
Dr. Anthony Romilio’s research focuses on ichnology, particularly dinosaur tracksites and fossilized footprints. His work spans various aspects of paleontology, including the documentation and digital mapping of modern and fossil ichnological data, the reassessment of dinosaur tracks, and the use of photogrammetry to generate 3D models of tracksites. He has contributed to the understanding of dinosaur behavior, such as examining the potential stampede dynamics in tracks and analyzing large theropod dinosaur footprints. His research also extends to the evolution of venom and mimicry in animals. His interdisciplinary approach integrates digital technologies with paleontological methods. 🦖📊🖼️🌍
Publication top Notes
A standard protocol for documenting modern and fossil ichnological data
The evolution of fangs, venom, and mimicry systems in blenny fishes
Photogrammetry in ichnology: 3D model generation, visualisation, and data extraction