Talks and shows

The Huxleys: Revolutionising science, nature and culture

Discover the life and work of three generations of the Huxley family.

via The Royal Institution

In the 19th and 20th centuries, the Huxley family profoundly reshaped how humans think about themselves and their effect on this planet.

Join Alison Bashford, in conversation with Adam Rutherford, as they explore three generations of Huxleys. From their scientific achievements to what went on in their private lives.

In this conversation, discover these celebrated scientists that covered the fields of genetics, animal behaviour, ecology, psychology and more.

Copies of Alison's latest book, 'An Intimate History of Evolution: The Story of the Huxley Family', will be available to purchase at the end of the talk. 

Event type

This is a theatre only event where the speakers and audience are together in our Theatre.

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. Please note that Eventbrite adds a small booking fee to the amount paid for each ticket option.

For any queries regarding this event please get in touch by phone 020 7409 2992 or email events@ri.ac.uk.

About Alison Bashford

Alison is wearing glasses and looking at the camera. She is smiling.
via UNSW Sydney

Alison Bashford is a leading historian of science and Laureate Professor of History at the University of New South Wales. She was previously Vere Harmsworth Professor of Imperial and Naval History at the University of Cambridge. She has published five academic books on purity and pollution in Victorian Britain, a critical history of colonialism and public health, and on 19th century and contemporary principles of population. 

About Adam Rutherford

Adam is looking at the camera, wearing a blue jumper. His arms are crossed over his chest.
via Stefan Jakubowski

 

Dr Adam Rutherford is a science writer and broadcaster. He studied genetics at University College London, and during his PhD on the developing eye, he was part of a team that identified the first genetic cause of a form of childhood blindness.

He is the author 'Creation', which was shortlisted for the Wellcome Trust Prize, 'A Brief History of Everyone Who Ever Lived', 'The Book of Humans' the Sunday Times bestselling 'How to Argue with  a Racist'  and the co-author of 'Rutherford and Fry's Complete Guide to Absolutely Everything (Abridged)'.

Timing

Doors to the theatre will open at 6.45pm and the talk will begin at 7.00pm.

Accessibility

The event will take place on the first floor and there is step-free access from the street via lift.

The closest underground station is Green Park, which is step-free.

There is space at floor level in the theatre for wheelchair users.

Seating is usually unreserved for our events. If you and your group require seating reservations, please do let us know by emailing us at events@ri.ac.uk, and we’ll be more than happy to help.

Carers can receive a free ticket to an event by emailing events@ri.ac.uk.

Our theatre is equipped with an Audio Induction Loop. 

Covid guidelines

Face masks are no longer mandatory and wearing one in our Theatre and at other Ri events is at your discretion, however please do not attend the Ri if you are displaying Covid symptoms or, if you have tested, the result remains positive. Thank you for respecting other people and their choices, and for helping us keep all of our visitors and staff safe and well.

Event terms and conditions

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As a patron you are offered a number of complimentary tickets, please get in touch with your patron manager to discuss this.