Scanning the Past, Securing the Future: The Digital Renaissance of the Bernissart Iguanodons

In 1878, deep within the Bernissart coal mine in Belgium, miners uncovered one of the most extraordinary paleontological discoveries of all time: over 35 complete skeletons of the Early Cretaceous dinosaur Iguanodon. These fossils, perfectly preserved in lifelike poses, offered the first true glimpse into the anatomy of dinosaurs and quickly became a cornerstone of European scientific heritage.
Today, nearly 150 years later, the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences and the University of Liège have undertaken the full 3D digitisation of the Bernissart collection, creating over 2,000 high-resolution models of bones using structured-light scanning and micro-CT imaging. This work opens new frontiers for research, education, and public engagement, and also provides essential information enabling long-term preservation of these fragile skeletons.
The digital atlas we are now building enables virtual access, comparative morphology, biomechanical modeling, and even prosthetic reconstruction of damaged fossils. This is not just documentation — it is transformation. By digitising an entire dinosaur population, we have helped setting a new international standard for fossil heritage management. We are therefore warmly inviting our colleagues to explore this model and collaborate in shaping the future of paleontology through digital innovation.