Paul Dong, born Dong Zhiming in 1937, was a distinguished Chinese vertebrate paleontologist who dedicated his career to the study of dinosaurs. After graduating in 1962, he joined the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology (IVPP) in Beijing, where he was mentored by Yang Zhongjian. Dong's early career involved extensive fieldwork and the description of many fossil remains. He played a crucial role in investigating the Shaximiao Formation, contributing significantly to understanding Middle Jurassic fossil beds. His career was impacted by the "Down to the Countryside Movement" and the Cultural Revolution, during which he was reassigned to geological surveys. However, with the encouragement of his mentor, he eventually returned to paleontology and the IVPP, leading to significant discoveries.

Dong was instrumental in major paleontological projects, including the China-Canada Dinosaur Project, a large-scale international collaboration that resulted in the discovery of numerous new species. He was known for his meticulous research, sometimes controversial theories about dinosaur classification, and a unique approach to naming species, often referencing cultural or personal connections. Dong's work has led to the description of over 42 dinosaur genera, with a significant number still considered valid, solidifying his legacy as one of the most prolific dinosaur namers in history. He passed away on October 20, 2024.

Born Dong Zhiming in January 1937 in Weihai, Shandong, Paul Dong's fascination with dinosaurs began at the age of 13. A museum exhibit featuring hadrosaur fossils sparked his interest in these ancient creatures. He pursued his academic interests, graduating in 1962 with a degree in biology. This educational foundation prepared him for a career that would make him a leading figure in Chinese paleontology.

Upon completing his university studies in 1962, Dong Zhiming commenced his professional journey at the Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology (IVPP) in Beijing. There, he benefited from the guidance of Yang Zhongjian, a pivotal figure often referred to as the "father of Chinese vertebrate palaeontology." Under Yang's mentorship, Dong delved into the study of challenging subjects, particularly dinosaurs, distinguishing himself from those focusing on more abundant invertebrate fossils. His early academic output was prolific, authoring approximately 600 papers in both English and Mandarin within his first three years. His initial field expedition in 1963, near Ürümqi, Xinjiang, led to the discovery of sauropod dinosaur fossils.

Dong Zhiming's research significantly contributed to understanding the Shaximiao Formation, a geological area notable for yielding Middle Jurassic fossils, which are not commonly found. His work at the Dashanpu bone beds in Sichuan was particularly groundbreaking. Following up on his mentor's discoveries, Dong unearthed the first dinosaur fossils from the Middle Jurassic period ever found in China in 1976. This discovery was monumental, especially as it occurred shortly before his mentor's passing. Later, collaborating with British Museum scientists, Dong led expeditions at Dashanpu, uncovering a rich fossil site. This research led to the formal description of the Shaximiao Formation and the preservation of extensive dinosaur-bearing bone beds, which became part of the Zigong Dinosaur Museum.

In the era of China's reform and opening up, Dong Zhiming was a key figure in fostering international scientific cooperation. In 1985, he visited Canada, an event that helped launch the substantial China-Canada Dinosaur Project (CCDP). This ambitious undertaking, funded with 15 million CAD, marked a significant resumption of collaboration between Chinese and foreign paleontologists. Dong served as one of the project's three leaders, alongside Philip J. Currie and Dale Russell. The CCDP spanned four field seasons, involving numerous researchers and expeditions in both China and Canada. During this project, Dong demonstrated remarkable skill, using dynamite to clear large amounts of earth while preserving delicate fossils, a technique that revealed the holotype for *Mamenchisaurus sinocanadorum*. The project resulted in the description of over 11 new dinosaur species, including *Sinraptor dongi*, named in his honor.

Continuing his research, Dong Zhiming focused on finding fossils that could fill gaps in the evolutionary history of dinosaurs. In the 1980s, he proposed a controversial theory suggesting a new dinosaur order, "Segnosaurischia," based on fossils like *Segnosaurus*. While this idea generated debate and was ultimately not adopted by the broader paleontological community, it highlighted his willingness to challenge existing classifications. Dong also explored the intriguing possibility that ancient Chinese legends of dragons might have originated from farmers discovering and misinterpreting dinosaur fossils. His work on *Huayangosaurus* and his prolific naming of dinosaur genera, including unique names like *T. nedegoapeferima* (honoring the cast of Jurassic Park) and *Gasosaurus* (referencing a natural gas plant), cemented his reputation. Dong is credited with significantly contributing to the understanding of stegosaurid species in China, and his legacy as one of history's most prolific dinosaur namers remains undisputed.