Talks and shows

Zero to birth: How the human brain is built

Explore how our brain is built, with neurobiologist William A Harris.

A drawing in green and black. On the left two hands hold up a phone. It has a neuron on the screen. On the right, a silhouette woman looks puzzled.
Chenspec via Pixabay

This event has moved to a livestream only.

By the time a baby is born, its brain is equipped with billions of intricately crafted neurons wired together through trillions of interconnections.

Join neurobiologist William Harris as he explores how the brain is built, from the moment of an egg’s fertilization through to a human brain’s development in the womb, and even a little beyond.

In this talk, discover the evolutionary story of multicellular animals when they first emerged and how the growth of a foetal brain over nine months reflects the brain’s evolution through the ages.

Copies of William's latest book, 'Zero to Birth: How the Human Brain Is Built', is available from the link provided.  

Event type

This is a livestream event where the speaker and audience come together online. 

You will have priority access to the recorded video for two weeks after the event has taken place.

For more information on livestreams, see the information below, or visit our FAQs page. Please use the event link you have been provided with.  

By booking to attend events at the Royal Institution, you confirm that you have read and accept the Ri's event terms and conditions. You also agree to abide by our code of conduct, and help to create a great experience for yourself and your fellow participants. 

About William Harris

A similing white man with short grey hair

William A Harris FRS FMedSci is a Canadian-born neuroscientist, Professor of Anatomy at Cambridge University, and fellow of Clare College, Cambridge. He was head of the Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience since its formation in 2006 until his retirement in 2018.

Timing for the livestream

The livestream will go live at 6.55pm and the introduction will begin at 7.00pm. If you register but miss the livestream, the video will be available to you via the same link for two weeks after the event date.

Event terms and conditions