Matthew Heaslip

Matthew Heaslip is a Senior Lecturer in Naval History at the University of Portsmouth, affiliated with the School of Area Studies, Sociology, History, Politics and Literature. He also serves as a Visiting Fellow at the Royal Navy's Strategic Studies Centre. His research focuses on the Royal Navy's role in Britain's imperial system during the 20th century, emphasizing littoral naval operations, gunboat diplomacy, and geopolitical influence. He contributes to editorial boards for Coastal Studies and Society and The Northern Marine/Le marin du nord, and holds roles in professional societies like the Society for Nautical Research and Navy Records Society.

Teaching includes the MA in Naval, Maritime and Coastal History and BA History dissertation supervision. He actively advises PhD students and engages with media on naval history topics. Key projects include studies on Royal Navy strategy, Baltic interventions, and Lloyd's Register activities in China.

• Research Highlights: Examines Royal Navy's China Station (1920s), interwar operations, and amphibious warfare legacy.
• Awards: Santander Research Award (2016), UoP Recognition Awards (2022), and World Ship Society Bursary (2018).
• Media Engagement: Regular expert commentary on naval history for TV, print, and digital platforms.