Simon Layton

Dr Simon Layton is a Lecturer in Early Global History at Queen Mary University of London’s School of History. He holds a doctorate from the University of Cambridge (supervised by C.A. Bayly) and has taught at institutions including Lingnan University (Hong Kong) and the University of Otago (New Zealand). His research focuses on the intersection of indigenous maritime sovereignty and European imperial expansion in the Indian Ocean and Pacific worlds. Current projects include a monograph on British naval imperialism and research into early modern seaweed cultivation networks.

• Affiliations: Queen Mary University of London (current), University of Cambridge (former lecturer), Lingnan University (former teaching role)
• Teaching: Leads undergraduate modules on global history and piracy, contributes to postgraduate oceanic history programs
• Key Research Themes: Imperial/environmental history, oceanic turn methodologies, maritime frontiers, indigenous knowledge systems

His forthcoming book with Cambridge University Press examines resistance to British imperial naval expansion in littoral regions. Recent research explores seaweed cultivation’s role in global trade and political systems. Supervision includes PhD topics on imperial tea trade and maritime frontiers in Australian history.

Professional service includes examining PhD theses at King’s College London and the University of Cambridge. Office hours currently on sabbatical during Semester B 2024-2025.