Perfil

António Carlos Sequeira Fernandes is a distinguished Brazilian scientist specializing in paleontology and geology. He received his Bachelor’s and Licentiate degrees in Natural History from the Universidade Gama Filho, Brazil, in 1973, followed by a Licentiate in History from the Universidade Veiga de Almeida, Brazil, in 2004. He continued his studies at the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), receiving a Master’s degree in 1978 and a Ph.D. in Geology in 1996. 

Fernandes began his academic career at the Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (UERJ), where he was a professor from 1977 to 2005, teaching paleontology and neontology in the Geology and Oceanography programs, respectively. In 1980, he joined the Department of Geology and Paleontology at the Museu Nacional of UFRJ, where he made significant contributions until his retirement as full professor in 2016. After his retirement, he continues his association with the institution as a Senior Collaborating Researcher. 

Throughout his tenure at the Museu Nacional, Fernandes held key administrative roles, including Deputy Director of Education (2007-2009 and 2010-2013) and Chair of the Graduate and Research Committee (2007-2009, 2010-2011, and 2012-2013).

Fernandes’ research has focused primarily on the history of paleontology in Brazil, with an emphasis on the development and importance of fossil collections. He has extensively studied the invertebrate paleontology collection at the Museu Nacional, analyzing its formation, evolution, and museological practices. His work has shed light on the broader context of the museum’s development and its role in the institutionalization of paleontology in Brazil.

In recognition of his scholarly contributions, Fernandes was elected a corresponding member of the Lisbon Academy of Sciences in 2012.  His dedication to the fields of paleontology and geology has greatly enriched the scientific community’s understanding of Brazil’s paleontological heritage.