Association of Applied Paleontological Sciences
Supporting Paleontology through Ethical Commerce, Education and Cooperation
About AAPS
AAPS, The Association of Applied Paleontological Sciences unites professional fossil dealers, collectors, enthusiasts, and academic paleontologists for the purpose of promoting ethical collecting practices.
GRANTS & AWARDS
The Association of Applied Paleontological Sciences maintains and administers several privately funded grants that are available to researchers and educators worldwide. Learn how to apply.
RESOURCES
AAPS provides important legal and professional resources for its members, including fossil ivory ban info, fossil theft alerts, and the annual Tucson Gem Show Guide.
Voices from the Fossil Record
- John Issa
John Issa is a Canadian ammonite specialist whose career has been closely tied to the fossil-rich Bearpaw Formation of southern Alberta—one of the only regions in the world where iridescent ammolite occurs. He began his professional work in 1999 with Canada Fossils Ltd., where he developed field and preparation expertise across a wide range of material while focusing increasingly on the brilliantly preserved ammonites of the Late Cretaceous. Over time, Issa became well known within the commercial paleontology community for both his technical skill and his long-standing presence in major fossil shows and institutional networks.
Press Releases
- Specially Curated Fossil Exhibit Now Available for Public Viewing at The Sherman Museum
Display Features Many Specimens Never Before Seen In Public DALLAS, TX, UNITED STATES, July 31, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Ancient fossils from land and sea create a breathtaking journey through time in the exhibit “Fields of Stone/Oceans of Stone,” on display now at The Sherman Museum in Sherman, Texas. Specially curated… - AAPS Announces Major Changes to Board of Directors
he Association of Applied Paleontological Sciences (AAPS) today announced a major revamping of its Board of Directors, including a newly elected president, vice president and secretary.
Fossil Dealers Guide
The Association of Applied Paleontological Sciences has published an annual guide since 2006, listing and promoting business members of the association. Many of the AAPS dealers sell at one or more of the over 50 show locations in Tucson during what has become the world’s largest mineral and fossil show starting the last week of January and running for 2 weeks each year.
The AAPS “Tucson Show Guide: Fossil Dealers and Events” has become the industry’s standard, listing show locations where professional fossil dealers are set up, along with contact information for all of our professional members that chose to be listed in the annual guide.