The Group has a wide range of research programmes that focus on Palaeozoic and Mesozioc organisms and exceptionally preserved fossil biotas (lagerstätten), with the aim of enhancing understanding of the processes and patterns of the evolution of life.

Leicester's Palaeobiology Group has an international reputation for initiatives elucidating the taphonomy and palaeobiology of globally important Palaeozoic lagerstätten, especially the Cambrian Chengjiang (China), Ordovician Soom Shale (South Africa) and Silurian Herefordshire (UK) faunas. Staff are leaders in the fields of the palaeobiology and evolutionary relationships of conodonts and other early fish, ostracods, pterosaurs and related arthropods, and in determining preservational pathways for the fossilization of soft-bodied organisms.

Palaeobiology group members have acknowledged expertise in the application of microfossils, including phytoplankton, and macrofossils (especially graptolites) in high resolution biostratigraphy and in interpreting early Palaeozoic ocean/atmosphere systems and palaeoclimate. Vertebrate research also includes Mesozoic marine reptiles and investigations of tooth microwear and the trophic ecology of fishes and dinosaurs.

The group has strong links with palaeontology laboratories and geological surveys world-wide; its research is supported by NERC, the Royal Society, the Leverhulme Trust, the British Antarctic Survey and Industry; and its staff hold leading positions in learned Palaeontological societies and Stratigraphic Commissions.

For details, see the Palaeobiology Group webpages on the Geology Extranet