The Palaeontological Association is a self-funded registered charity dedicated to promoting palaeontology and its allied sciences. Its mission is to foster an inclusive community that explores and shares the history of life through research, advocacy and education, advancing understanding of past life on Earth and helping preserve ancient history for future generations.

The Association supports researchers, students and the wider public through membership, grants, awards and information about postgraduate study and career opportunities. It regularly organises meetings and events for scientific audiences and the general public, including its annual meeting and events with other societies. Its educational resources include a video gallery, fossil-collecting guidance and field guides.

The Association also publishes research and other material, including the journals Palaeontology and Papers in Palaeontology, Special Papers in Palaeontology, a newsletter and an extensive archive. Donations and membership contributions help sustain its work and inspire future generations to investigate past organisms. Through these activities, the Association connects people with palaeontological research and encourages excellence and wider engagement in the discipline.