Mark Williams

Professor Mark Williams is a Palaeobiologist at the University of Leicester, School of Geography, Geology and the Environment. His work focuses on the evolution of life over geological timescales and the impact of human activity on the biosphere, particularly in defining the Anthropocene epoch. Over three decades, his research has spanned diverse ecosystems, from polar regions to tropical environments, examining invasive species and climate-driven changes. He is a key member of the Anthropocene Working Group, contributing to proposals for formalizing the Anthropocene as a geological epoch. His studies integrate palaeontological data with modern environmental analysis to address anthropogenic impacts on Earth's systems.

Research interests include mass extinctions, fossil records of human-induced changes, and the geological stratigraphy of the Anthropocene. He has extensively studied Ordovician and Cambrian fossils, linking them to climate adaptation and evolutionary patterns. His work on the Crawford Lake GSSP proposal highlights efforts to define precise stratigraphic boundaries for this epoch. Articles frequently address interdisciplinary debates on human-driven geological changes and ethical dimensions of planetary stewardship.

Publications emphasize the Anthropocene’s distinct geological signature through invasive species, urbanization, and industrial signals. Collaborations span palaeontology, geology, and environmental science, with a focus on synthesizing global data to inform sustainability strategies.