Ben Garrod

Ben Garrod is an evolutionary biologist, primatologist and award-winning broadcaster who transforms complex science into captivating stories for audiences of all ages. As a professor at the University of East Anglia, he has spent over a decade working on great ape conservation projects worldwide, from managing chimpanzee field sites in central Africa to researching primate evolution across tropical islands. He has presented acclaimed BBC documentaries including Attenborough and the Mammoth Graveyard, Hyper Evolution: Rise of the Robots, and Secrets of Bones, and authored over 20 books engaging young readers with scientific discovery. His sessions equip audiences with fresh perspectives on evolution, biodiversity and science communication, inspiring curiosity and deeper understanding of the natural world.

After spending several years managing a chimpanzee conservation field site in central Africa and habituating wild chimps in their natural habitat, Ben Garrod has become one of the UK's most engaging voices in evolutionary biology and science communication. His career has taken him from the rainforests of central Africa to tropical islands across the Caribbean, where he completed his doctorate researching monkey evolution and island biogeography. Now a Professor at the University of East Anglia, he combines rigorous academic research with a rare ability to make complex evolutionary concepts accessible and compelling for audiences of all ages. His broadcasting work has reached millions through acclaimed BBC documentaries including Attenborough and the Mammoth Graveyard, Hyper Evolution: Rise of the Robots, and the award-winning Secrets of Bones, for which he received a Wildscreen Panda Award for Best Presenter Led Programme.

Ben's credibility stems from over a decade of hands-on conservation work across diverse ecosystems, from South East Asia and China to the Arctic, working with numerous species and organisations to advance understanding of animal behaviour and biodiversity. His academic qualifications include degrees in Animal Behaviour and Wild Animal Biology, alongside his doctoral research which used historical primate introductions to understand patterns of evolution. As an author, he has written over twenty books, primarily engaging young readers with scientific non-fiction that sparks curiosity about the natural world. He also serves as patron for the British Hen Welfare Trust and Natural Sciences Collections Association, and as an ambassador for the Marine Conservation Society, reflecting his commitment to conservation beyond the lecture hall. His teaching at UEA spans evolutionary biology, biodiversity, and anatomy, with a strong emphasis on form and function that mirrors his documentary work exploring how organisms adapt and thrive.

Ben's presentations transform abstract scientific concepts into tangible insights that audiences can immediately connect with their own understanding of the world. Whether speaking at major science festivals, corporate conferences, or educational events, he equips attendees with fresh perspectives on evolution, biodiversity, and the art of communicating complex ideas clearly. His sessions for younger audiences, including "So You Think You Know About Dinosaurs", ignite genuine scientific curiosity, while his talks on redefining humanity and science communication challenge professionals to think differently about their work. Audiences leave his presentations not just informed but inspired, with practical frameworks for understanding evolutionary processes and a renewed appreciation for the interconnectedness of life on Earth. His natural warmth and enthusiasm, combined with rigorous scientific expertise, create lasting impact that extends well beyond the event itself.