Talks and shows

Exploring ancient ecosystems through time

Step into ancient landscapes with award-winning palaeobiologist Thomas Halliday as he guides us through a series of explorations.

Event image by Ivan Bandura via Pexels

Step into ancient landscapes with award-winning palaeobiologist Thomas Halliday as he guides us through a captivating series of immersive explorations.

In this talk, you’ll Immerse yourself in a series of ancient landscapes, from the mammoth steppe of Ice Age Alaska to the lush rainforests of Eocene Antarctica adorned with colonies of giant penguins and the moonlit terrain of Ediacaran Australia.



Traverse the birthplace of humanity as Thomas unveils the Earth's extraordinary history. Experience the roaring cascade of the highest waterfall ever known, witness life's resurgence post-asteroid impact, and observe the dawn of the mammal age.



By exploring the fossil records of our ancient world, we'll delve into the minutiae of nature's interconnections. Thomas will intricately weave science and storytelling, building a vibrant picture of our past – whether it's the hue of a beetle's shell, the rhythmic flight of the pterosaur or the lingering scent of sulphur in the air.

Join us on an ancient odyssey from the comfort of our Theatre, where the details of our Earth's past will come to life like never before. You'll come away with a greater appreciation of Earth’s past and an enriched understanding of the rich tapestry of the fossil record that informs this knowledge.

Copies of Halliday's latest book 'Otherlands' will be available for purchase after this lecture.

This Ri event is brought to you by Undaunted, a partnership between the Royal Institution and Imperial College London to combat the causes and effects of climate change through clean-tech innovation.

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 Thomas Halliday

Via X

Thomas Halliday is a distinguished palaeontologist and evolutionary biologist, currently serving as a Leverhulme Early Career Fellow at the University of Birmingham. Additionally, he holds the position of Scientific Associate at the Natural History Museum. Thomas's research seamlessly integrates theoretical frameworks with empirical data to explore enduring trends in the fossil record, with a primary focus on mammals. Recognised for his outstanding contributions, he received the Linnean Society’s John C. Marsden Medal in 2016 and clinched the Hugh Miller Writing Competition in 2018.

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