This TMS Special Publication was proposed after several informal discussions about changing trends in Micropalaeontology. It was realized that a possible watershed had been reached regarding the formal training of micropalaeontologists, employment opportunities and the closure of several research schools. It was thought to be opportune at this juncture to provide a selected global overview of the history and development of one particular branch of Micropalaeontology–Foraminiferal studies. To this end a brief historical introduction is provided before outlining each author’s contribution.