Neil J. Gostling

Dr. Neil J. Gostling is an Associate Professor in Evolution and Palaeobiology at the University of Southampton, within the Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences and the Department of Biological Sciences. With over 14 years of teaching experience, he leads the MRes Programme in Evolution and contributes significantly to the teaching of evolution and development across the faculty.

Dr. Gostling's educational background includes a BSc in Joint Honors Botany and Zoology and a PhD in Evolutionary Developmental Biology, both from the University of Reading. He further completed a PGCE (and QTS) at the University of Southampton.

As an evolutionary-developmental biologist (Evo-Devo) by training and a palaeobiologist by research, Dr. Gostling employs diverse methodologies including experimental taphonomy, high-resolution CT scanning, and molecular biology to investigate evolutionary questions ranging from avian flight origins to dinosaur diversity in southern England. His research spans multiple disciplines including evolutionary biology, palaeobiology, molecular biology, and developmental biology, with recent work focusing on placental evolution, dinosaur diversity, and science education.

His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on imaging technologies applied to biological structures, particularly placental morphology and dinosaur fossils. Dr. Gostling's work often involves collaborative, interdisciplinary research with colleagues across multiple institutions.

• Faculty Award for Teaching
• Vice-Chancellor's Award for Teaching
• SUSU Academic Award for teaching
• SUSU Most Engaging Lecturer award (two consecutive years)
• Fellow of the Linnean Society (2021-present)
• Member of The Palaeontographical Society (2021-present)

Dr. Gostling actively supervises multiple PhD students including Christine Amanda Taylor, Claudia Jayne Baldry, Abigail Crane, Gayashan Madappuli Arachchige, and Eleanor Wilson. His research has been supported by funding bodies including the Leverhulme Trust, as evidenced by his completed project "R Lewis - Nanoscale three-dimensional imaging of the placenta."

As a member of the Institute for Life Sciences and the Ecology and Evolution research group, Dr. Gostling collaborates with researchers across multiple disciplines to address complex evolutionary questions using cutting-edge methodologies.