Professor Alice Roberts

Alice Roberts is a clinical anatomist, author and broadcaster. She is a Professor of Public Engagement in Science at the University of Birmingham. Her academic work includes teaching anatomy and evolutionary anthropology and conducting research.

Before becoming a university lecturer Alice trained as a medical doctor. She taught anatomy at the University of Bristol for 11 years. It was there that she developed an interest in biological anthropology, researching the evolutionary history of ancient skeletons.

Alice’s considerable experience in science communication began with the long-running Channel 4 archaeology series, Time Team.

Since 2006, she has appeared as an expert presenter on several BBC2 programmes including Coast, Don’t Die Young, Incredible Human Journey, Origins of Us, Prehistoric Autopsy and Digging for Britain. She has also appeared on Timewatch, several episodes of Horizon – the BBC’s flagship science programme – and presented several programmes about the fauna of the Pleistocene, including Ice Age Giants.

Professor Roberts regularly delivers public talks expanding on themes from her research, television programmes and books, at venues including the Royal Geographical Society and the Glastonbury Festival.

She has written six popular science books, and is a regular science columnist for The Observer. Her most recent book, The Incredible Unlikeliness of Being, was shortlisted for the Wellcome Book Prize 2015.

Alice is committed to promoting public engagement with science, and advises on the boards of science festivals, museums, special collections and science communication awarding bodies.