Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Lauer Foundation allow scientific researchers to study specimens in the Foundation Collection?
Yes. We absolutely invite researchers to study and publish on specimens in the Foundation collection. In some instances, we reach out directly to experts and invite them to work on specimens. Here is a link to our Expectations document.
As a researcher, can I publish on specimens in the Foundation collection?
We understand the concern. The Foundation meets the requirements for publication as demonstrated by the following publications.
Hone, D., Fitch, A., Selzer, S., Lauer, R., and Lauer, B., (2024), A new and large monofenestratan revels the evolutionary transition to the pterodactyloid pterosaurs, Current Biology,34,1-8,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2024.10.023 . https://www.cell.com/current-biology/fulltext/S0960-9822(24)01377-0_returnURL=https%3A%2F%2Flinkinghub.elsevier.com%2Fretrieve%2Fpii%2FS0960982224013770%3Fshowall%3Dtrue
Pugh, I., Nesbitt, S., Heckert, A., Lauer. R., & Lauer, B., (2024), A new drepanosauromorph (Diapsida) from East–Central New Mexico and diversity of drepanosaur morphology and ecology at the Upper Triassic Homestead Site at Garita Creek (Triassic: mid-Norian), Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology, https://doi.org/10.10800/02724634.2024.2363202 Duffin, C., Lauer, B., Lauer, R., (2025), Chimaeropsis paradoxa ZITTEL,1887 (Myriacanthoidei,Holocephali) from the Lte Jurassic of Solnhofen, Neues Jahrbuch, 313/3 245-272., https://doi.org/10.1127/njgpa/2025/1233. Email Bruce Lauer for a copy Bruce@LauerFoundationpse.org
What is the difference between the Foundation and a Museum?
The legal structure of the Foundation and a Museum is essentially the same. Exceptions to this would be the true Public Museums that are owned by either the Federal or local government. The Foundation is open to researchers and the collections are available for study. Both the Foundation and Museums provide for permanent access to the collections. The main difference is that the Foundation is not open to the general public and does not have its own permanent exhibits. The Foundation will partner with museums for exhibitions of Foundation specimens. An example is our “Snapshot in Time” exhibit at the Burpee Museum and a recent collaboration with the Jura Museum in Eichstätt, Germany.
What is the legal structure of the Foundation?
The Foundation is a corporate entity with a Board of Directors that oversees its activities. The Foundation is an operating not-for-profit organization under the Internal Revenue Code section 501 (c) (3). Read more about the Foundation's legal structure here.
Is the Foundation a not-for-profit organization?
Yes, the Foundation is registered as an operating not-for-profit entity under US Internal Revenue Code section 501 (c) (3).
Do the Lauer's own the collection?
No, the Lauer's do not own the collection. The collection is owned by the Foundation.
What are the major concentrations of the Foundation Collection?
The Foundation collection focuses on three main areas: The Jurassic Solnhofen Germany biota, the Pennsylvanian Mazon Creek biota of northern Illinois and shark evolution. The Foundation will stray from these areas of focus when scientifically important material becomes available and a researcher has agreed to work on the specimen.
Have any scientific papers been published citing a specimen in the Foundation Collection?
Yes. We have provided a full list of publications.