Ivan Sansom

Dr. Ivan Sansom is a Senior Lecturer in Palaeobiology at the University of Birmingham’s School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences. His research focuses on the evolution and diversification of Palaeozoic non-tetrapod vertebrates, including conodonts, with a particular interest in early skeletonizing fish and shark origins. Current projects explore dispersal patterns in early vertebrates and the role of paleoecology in diversity and extinction.

• PhD, Durham University (1992)
• BSc, Aston University (1987)

Dr. Sansom’s research themes include:

• Ordovician fish radiation in Gondwana
• Cambro-Ordovician fish from North and South America
• Origins of vertebrate biomineralization
• Early evolution of gnathostomes

His recent publications span conodont geochemistry, 3D imaging of stem gnathostomes, and Paleozoic chondrichthyan evolution.

He has held roles such as Director of Education (2013–2016) and Academic Keeper of the Lapworth Museum (2012–2013). Dr. Sansom welcomes doctoral researchers in his areas of expertise.