Palaeobiology

The Palaeobiology research theme at Birmingham spans an extraordinary range of biological, temporal and spatial scales, and represents one of the largest clusters of palaeobiologists in the UK.

Our research theme includes world-leading palaeobiologists with expertise stretching from single-celled algae to the largest vertebrates to have walked the Earth, as well as the plants they ate. Researchers have made fundamental contributions to understanding the evolution and diversity of life on Earth, such as the radiation of the earliest fish, the origins of terrestrial vegetation, the diversity and palaeobiology of dinosaurs, the impacts of mass extinctions, and the long-term evolution of marine phytoplankton. We have strong synergies with the Paleoclimatology and Paleoceanography Group within the Earth Sciences Research Theme, allowing us to explore the complex inter-relationships between the Earth’s biosphere, climate and environment.

The palaeobiology group 

Research areas

Research funding

Our research is funded through a diverse range of sources, including NERC, ERC, Marie Curie Actions, Leverhulme Trust, Royal Society and the Palaeontological Association. We actively encourage external collaborations, as well as welcoming and supporting fellowship applications. In recent years we have hosted Royal Society, NERC, Leverhulme Trust and Royal Commission of 1851 Fellows. For further information please contact any relevant member of academic staff and see opportunities to get involved with the Earth Sciences community.

Postgraduate opportunities

We offer a bespoke Palaeontology and Geology BSc/MSci programme.

Research-led teaching is a core part of our ethos, and we have an outstanding track record of helping our undergraduate and Masters students publish their research projects, present their work at conferences, and obtain funded PhD positions. 

PhD Funding Sources

The group includes a large, diverse and vibrant community of highly talented and motivated doctoral researchers, working on a broad range of field-, lab- and desk-based PhD projects. PhD opportunities are available annually through the CENTA doctoral training programme, and may also be advertised on an ad hoc basis as funding allows. We are always keen to talk to potential students about opportunities. We have an excellent track record of training our doctoral researchers for careers in palaeobiology, in museum, university and international research environments.

Public engagement

Public engagement represents a significant component of our work. The Palaeobiology group has very strong links to the Lapworth Museum of Geology, and played a key role in developing the new Museum exhibitions. We use the Museum’s temporary exhibition space to showcase our research. We frequently deliver public talks, events and educational sessions, in the Museum and further afield – please contact any member of academic staff if you are interested in having us come to talk to your group about our research.

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