Discourse: The speed of life (Theatre)

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Evolution is a seemingly inconsistent process, switching from long periods of stability to rapid transitions. But what allows some species to survive and adapt to new environments, while others are confined to fossils? Why do some groups diversify into thousands of species, while others remain at small numbers for millions of years? And why do the same forms evolve over and over again in different groups, at different times, and in different places, while many hypothetical forms never evolve at all?

In this Discourse, evolutionary biologist Anjali Goswami will explore the evolutionary paths that have led to life on Earth as we know it. Using a wealth of fossil data, she will explain how we can piece together the changing tempos of evolution, and delves into how new technology is allowing scientists to understand evolution like never before. You won’t just need to take Anjali’s word for it – you'll be able to hear the data as well, as the evolutionary record for a variety of species is converted to audio.

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Discourses are one of the Ri’s oldest and most prestigious series of talks. Since 1825, audiences in the theatre have witnessed countless mind-expanding moments, including the first public liquefaction of air by James Dewar, the announcement of the electron by JJ Thomson and over 100 lectures by Michael Faraday. In more recent times, we have had Nobel laureates, Fields medal winners, scientists, authors and artists – all from the cutting-edge of their field. Discourses are an opportunity for the best and brightest to share their work with the world.

Steeped in nearly two centuries of tradition, a Discourse is more than just a lecture. To keep the focus on the topic, presenters begin sharply at 7:30pm without introduction and we lock the speaker into a room ten minutes ahead of the start (legend has it that a speaker once tried to escape!). Some of our guests dress smartly for our Discourse events to add to this sense of occasion.

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Find out more about the history of Discourses on our blog.

The doors will open at approximately 6.45pm, and all ticket holders must take their seats by 7.20pm for a prompt start at 7.30pm. There will be a brief question/answer period after the talk.

Latecomers will be admitted to the gallery.

Event image by Unsplash Froggy5

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