About the Lecture Series
Gresham College are hosting a biology lecture series from October 2023 - May 2024.
The lecture series uncovers some of the overlooked aspects of evolution. It will explore evolutionary experiments, the importance of chance in shaping the biodiversity of Earth, why there is only one human species in existence, and predictions for the future of evolution. All lectures will be hosted by Professor Robin May from the University of Birmingham.
Artificial Selection: How Humans Have Shaped Evolution
Wednesday 20th March 2024, 18:00 BST
Professor Robin May will explore how artificial selection has influenced our crops, livestock and even our pets. You will also learn how science is uncovering the genetics changes that have occurred.
Evolution Tomorrow and Beyond
Wednesday 8th May 2024, 18:00 BST
Professor Robin May will discuss how evolution may play out in the future, possible species evolution, and how evolution may change due to human innovation. He will also discuss the risks involved and the possible appearance of evolution if we ever moved to a different planet.
Previous Lectures in this Series
A Small History of Big Evolutionary Ideas
Wednesday 4th October 2023, 18:00 BST
Professor Robin May will investigate big evolutionary ideas and some smaller ideas aswell. He will also discuss criminals, aristocrats and dictators in terms of evolutions as a product of history as well as biology.
Random Chance in Evolution
Wednesday 15th November 2023, 18:00 BST
Professor Robin May will discuss some examples of evolutionary chance and explore why they are deemed as less random than you may expect.
Why Is There Only One Species of Human?
Wednesday 10th January 2024, 18:00 BST
Professor Robin May will investigate why human-like species in the past dissolved out and why some ex-species are relationally closer than we think.
A 300,000-Year History of Human Evolution
Wednesday 7th February 2024, 18:00 BST
Professor Robin May will introduce you to how disease outbreaks occur. He will also explore how the rise of civilisation and the introduction of agriculture have left traces in our DNA.