Richard Dawkins

Oxford professor Richard Dawkins has helped steer evolutionary science into the 21st century. In recent years, his devastating critique of religion has made him a leading figure in the New Atheism.

A controversial, tough-minded and witty defender of science, Richard is widely recognized as the leader of the new Darwinists. He is Oxford University’s first holder of the Charles Simonyi Chair of Public Understanding of Science.

Through his numerous books and lectures, Richard tells us that organisms exist so that genes can propagate and that human beings cannot rationally exclude themselves from this Darwinian theory. Like all organisms, the ultimate function of human life is simply to pass DNA on to future generations. He invites us to explore the power, beauty and mystery behind a Darwinian understanding of life.

His revolutionary views have both inspired and challenged his audiences. He has made many high profile public appearances, including a debate with the Archbishop of York which received extensive coverage in the British Press on the relevance of religion in a scientific age.