BSc (Leicester) 1988; MSc (Manchester) 1993; PhD (Sheffield) 1999

Synchrotron-based imaging and spectroscopy, vertebrate ichnology, biomechanics, paleopathology, arthropod paleoecology, x-ray microtomography of structural biomaterials, paleoproteomics, bioarchaeology, evolutionary respiratory biology and vertebrate taphonomy.

Dr. Manning undertakes interdisciplinary research whilst maintaining a diverse global research program in both the field and laboratory. His research benefits from the application of new techniques and technologies borrowed from physics, biology, chemistry, engineering, and computational science. A large part of his research focuses on the use of synchrotron light to map and quantify the chemistry and taphonomy of fossils. The techniques that Dr. Manning and his research team have developed have allowed the reinterpretation of several iconic fossils, not least Archaeopteryx. His research and the associated innovations have been adopted and employed by industry, especially in the case of the synchrotron-based imaging that has provided huge insight to the preservation (taphonomy) of fossilised soft-tissue. His research has led to significant developments that have had a sustained impact on synchrotron users from multiple disciplines. Dr. Manning has focussed his research and teaching in support of his outreach to wider audiences to further develop the public engagement of science. Dr. Manning has established an international research network, including collaborations with colleagues at Stanford University (USA), University of Pennsylvania (USA), University of Oxford (UK), American Museum of Natural History (USA), Memorial University (Canada) and the University of Manchester (UK). These research collaborations have further strengthened and maintained Dr, Manning’s research productivity, whilst sustaining its impact to a wide audience, especially through his media work and public lectures.

• Interdisciplinary Centre for Ancient Life
• Palaeontology