Molecular palaeontology is an emerging geobiological discipline directed to the study of multimillion-year-old pigments (biochromes) and other life molecules that provide information on the evolutionary history, biology and ecology of both modern and ancient organisms. Particular focus has been devoted to melanin and its diagenetic breakdown products, although my research also deals with the taphonomy of skin and other soft tissues. My research accomplishments have been achieved through multidisciplinary studies of fossil and modern vertebrates (especially mosasaurs and other extinct marine reptiles), and I work closely with an international group of distinguished scholars, embracing both young scientists and well-established senior researchers.