Paul H. Harvey
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19 January 1947[1]
Paul Harvey | |
|---|---|
| Born | Paul H. Harvey 19 January 1947[1] |
| Alma mater | University of York (BA, DPhil) |
| Awards | DSc (1989) |
| Scientific career | |
| Fields | Evolutionary biology |
| Institutions | University of Oxford |
| Thesis | Studies on the polymorphism of cepaea nemoralis (1971) |
| Doctoral students | |
| Other notable students | |
| Website | zoo |
Paul H. Harvey CBE FRS[5] (born 19 January 1947) is a British evolutionary biologist. He is Professor of Zoology and was head of the zoology department at the University of Oxford from 1998 to 2011 and Secretary of the Zoological Society of London from 2000 to 2011, holding these posts in conjunction with a professorial fellowship at Jesus College, Oxford.[6]
Harvey was educated at the University of York where he was awarded Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Philosophy degrees.
Research and career
Harvey has led the development of robust statistical methods to decipher evolutionary relationships. His work has applied a rigorous basis to the comparative method in evolutionary biology — employed since the days of Charles Darwin — and as such, he has shaped modern thinking in the field.[5] The comparative method of evolutionary biology is used to correlate characteristics between species. Paul pioneered techniques to use the data and knowledge available in modern science, whilst avoiding artefacts, in untangling the evolutionary relationships between organisms. These problem-solving tools for evolutionary studies have become widely used.[5]
His former students who have become Fellows of The Royal Society include Oliver Pybus,[2] Georgina Mace,[2] Andrew Read,[2] Andrew Rambaut[2][3] Eddie Holmes[4] and Mark Pagel.
