Commendation for Martin Krogmann

Sep 20, 2017

Martin Krogmann, Paleontological Preparator in the Geosciences Collection of the University of Bremen was awarded the René Lanooy sponsorship award. Photo: Anna Hermann

Martin Krogmann, Paleontological Preparator at MARUM and the Geosciences Collection of the University of Bremen, has been awarded the René Lanooy sponsorship award. The problem that prompted the development of his new method was how to best reveal the microstructures of fossils. Together with his team, the 38-year old designed a series of tests to determine the most efficient mechanical or chemical method. As Krogmann summarizes, “Such test series are not common in the field of technical specimen preparation, but they are necessary because they are much more conclusive than individual tests.” For example, sand-blasting was tested using various fine powders, but also with lye and acid preparations.

For the test series, Krogmann and his colleagues prepared fossil sea urchins using different methods and then compared the resulting surfaces under a scanning electron microscope. The microstructures were best revealed when a chemical method was used. The application of sodium hexametaphosphate (NaPO₃)₆ produced significantly better results than the classical preparation with lime potash, acetic acid and the sandblast preparation. “So this method is an important improvement,” says Martin Krogmann. His primary concern is to develop a method for microfossil preparation that is as non-destructive as possible.

A commission decides every three years who will win the René Lanooy sponsorship award. The prize is endowed with 3000 Euros and is given for special preparations and new methods in the areas of medicine, biology and geosciences.

More information (in German)

Under the scanning electron microscope, specimen preparation specialists are able to determine which methods result in the best and least destructive recognition of microstructures. Photo: MARUM, Krogmann