Paul Bown

Prof Paul Bown is a Professor of Micropalaeontology at University College London's Earth Sciences department. His research focuses on calcareous nannoplankton (e.g., coccolithophores) and their roles in biostratigraphy, paleoceanography, and evolutionary studies. He has contributed foundational works like Calcareous Nannofossil Biostratigraphy (1998), established dating schemes for the Jurassic and Cretaceous, and pioneered evolutionary frameworks linking nannofossil diversification to environmental drivers. Currently, he holds leadership roles in the Geological Society of London, International Nannoplankton Association (President), and International Commission on Stratigraphy (Secretary-General).

Recent work highlights nannoplankton responses to ancient climate events, including the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum and Cretaceous-Paleogene extinction. Notably, a new nannofossil species Syracosphaera azureaplaneta was named in honor of the BBC’s Blue Planet. His expertise spans Mesozoic and Cenozoic periods, with field contributions from the Indo-Myanmar Ranges to the South Atlantic.

Professional accolades include his role in defining global stratigraphic benchmarks (e.g., Albian Stage GSSP) and collaborative projects like IODP Expeditions 342 and 392. Research integrates taxonomy, biomineralization, and large-scale environmental shifts, emphasizing the interplay between evolution and Earth system processes.