Bolortsetseg Minjin
Joined Atlas Obscura in 2026
Bolortsetseg Minjin, Ph.D. is a Mongolian paleontologist, National Geographic Explorer, and founder of the Institute for the Study of Mongolian Dinosaurs (ISMD). She earned her Ph.D. through a joint program between the American Museum of Natural History and the City University of New York. Her work combines scientific research with fossil heritage protection, education, and public engagement.
Bolortsetseg has led expeditions that have discovered new fossil species, trained the next generation of Mongolian paleontologists, and inspired thousands of children through innovative outreach programs across the Gobi Desert. Internationally recognized for her leadership in combating fossil trafficking, she played a pivotal role in stopping the illegal sale of a Tarbosaurus bataar skeleton in 2012 and has helped return more than 70 illegally exported dinosaur fossils to Mongolia.
Her contributions have earned her the Mongolian Order of the Polar Star, the Wings WorldQuest Earth Award, the Raymond M. Alf Award for Excellence in Paleontological Research and Education, the Society of Vertebrate Paleontology's Excellence in Education and Outreach Award, and recognition as an EC50 Honoree by The Explorers Club. Her work has been featured by National Geographic, Discovery, and other international media. Today, she is leading the development of a community-centered Gobi Dinosaur Museum at the iconic Flaming Cliffs (Bayanzag), bringing Mongolia's fossil heritage to local communities and the world.
