PAST welcomes new Programme Director, Dr. Emil Krupandan

Emil will be taking over operational management from our outgoing CEO, Dr Kimberleigh Tommy. He is excited to join the leading independent organisation dedicated to advancing Africa’s role in the origins sciences through research funding, education, and public engagement.

Emil began his academic journey in archaeology and heritage studies. He holds a PhD in Biological Sciences from the University of Cape Town, with research primarily focusing on the evolution and growth of early sauropodomorph dinosaurs.

His transition into palaeontology was sparked by Cenozoic palaeontology—a field focussed on the last 66 million years of Earth history that he refers to as his “gateway drug” to dinosaurs. With over 15 years’ experience in vertebrate palaeontology, Emil has worked across academic, curatorial, and public-facing roles. Before joining PAST, he was Assistant Curator of Cenozoic Palaeontology at the Iziko South African Museum, where he co-led collections management, development of 3D Scanning & Printing Lab capabilities and curated exhibitions. He has also lectured at the University of Cape Town, conducted primary and secondary school public education, co-supervised postgraduate students, and participated in international fieldwork and collaborative research.

A published researcher and passionate science communicator, Emil brings a cross-disciplinary perspective to his leadership at PAST, grounded in heritage, research, and inclusive education. He is committed to ensuring the organisation remains a globally respected platform for African science, storytelling, and societal transformation. His vision for PAST is to strengthen its position as an African leader in promoting research, education, and outreach. Emil brings a deep commitment to heritage, diversity, inclusivity, and African scientific leadership.

Passionate about inclusivity, Emil advocates for dismantling toxic academic structures and ensuring origins science is accessible, transformative, and empowering—particularly for students from underrepresented backgrounds. He believes that origins science education is both empowering and critical, especially in the face of climate change.

He will be working closely with Acting CEO and Chief Scientist Prof. Robert Blumenschine to sustain and expand on PAST’s programmes.