Following the successful 1st Joint Conference of the Palaeontological Society of China (PSC) and Palaeontologische Gesellschaft (PalGes, Palaeontological Society of German) held in Goetingen of Germany in 2013, the 2nd Joint Conference of PSC and PalGez was held in Yichang City, Hubei Province from October 10th to 14th, 2017. More than 400 participants from academic institutions, colleges, museums and organizations of popular science or fossil conservations were present at the conference, and they are from 7 countries such as Germany, Spain, Dutch, Austria, Poland, Japan and China.  

　　The conference theme was “Critical Intervals in Earth History: Palaeobiological Innovations”. Six experts were invited to give plenary talks, concerning the topics of Permian flora and related palaeogeography, the innovation of the Neoproterozoic sponges, early life record, microbial biomarkers, GSSPs in China and terrestrial Triassic – Jurassic Flora. During the conference, 170 oral presentations (46 Keynotes) and 62 posters were given in 23 sessions, and 41 experts acted as session chairs.  

　　There are two publications recording the academic activities at the conference. The 552-page abstract volume “Critical Intervals in Earth History：Palaeontological Innovations” includes 257 abstracts. And the field excursion guide book “Linking the Land and the Sea” explains the details of 5 field excursions. Both books were published by the Press of University of Science and Technology of China (USTC).  

　　Five field excursions were organized, with over 280 participants visiting sections in Hubei, Yunnan, Sichuan and Chongqing, respectively.