open access

https://hdl.handle.net/2115/99171

How researchers contributed to the creation of elements for establishing museums : focusing on the discovery and study of vertebrate fossils in paleontology-focused museums in Hokkaido, Japan

日本語

research

2026-02-28

Imakane Town Board of Education

Bulletin of the studies in Imakane district

7

1-14

Museums are not something that simply exist by default. Their establishments involve various elements such as vision and planning, budgeting and location, collections and research—but all of these are assembled as a result of “human actions”. To clarify how researchers contributed to the creation of elements essential to museum establishment, this study examines 13 paleontology-focused museums in Hokkaido, analyzing the relationship between fossil discoveries, research publication timing, and museum establishment. Museums were categorized into three types: (1) those established before fossil research was published, (2) those established after, and (3) those not directly linked to fossil discoveries. The findings highlight the critical role of researchers not only in scientific work but also in initiating museum projects, engaging with local communities, and shaping visions for museum development before scientific papers were published. Researchers contributed through fossil identification, excavation, preservation, and public outreach, often forming collaborative teams and influencing municipal decisions. The study emphasizes that museum creation is not automatic—it requires coordinated efforts, vision, and advocacy, especially before formal research results are available.

学術雑誌論文

Version of Record

https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/