The Irritator challengeri, a 113-million-year-old dinosaur fossil, is set to be returned to Brazil from Germany after an agreement between the two nations. This fossil, one of the most complete spinosaurid skulls ever discovered, has resided at the State Museum of Natural History in Stuttgart since 1991. The ownership of the fossil has been contentious, as Brazilian law asserts that fossils found within its borders belong to the state and cannot be exported without permission. The exact circumstances of how the fossil left Brazil are unclear. The repatriation is seen as a significant step for scientific and cultural restitution, following years of campaigning by over 260 scientists and an online petition with more than 34,000 signatures. Brazilian palaeontologist Aline Ghilardi emphasized the importance of this return in addressing broader issues of unequal scientific practices. However, some experts criticized the phrasing in the joint declaration, which referred to the fossil being 'handed over' rather than formally 'repatriated', suggesting a missed opportunity to fully acknowledge the restitution issue. No timeline has been provided for the fossil's physical return to Brazil.