Adam Rutherford is a geneticist, broadcaster and author who specialises in the intersection of genetics, race and eugenics. His research has spanned evolutionary genetics, developmental biology and the history of scientific racism.
Adam serves as President of Humanists UK and lectures in Biology and Society at University College London, where he teaches the history of eugenics and race science. He presents BBC Radio 4's Start the Week and co-hosts The Curious Cases of Rutherford and Fry, now in its 20th series. His books include the Sunday Times bestseller How to Argue with a Racist and Control: The Dark History and Troubling Present of Eugenics. He received the Royal Society David Attenborough Award for public engagement with science in 2021.
Drawing on research in genetics, history, and science communication, Adam examines how biological science has been misused to justify racism and inequality. His talks connect cutting-edge genetics with the social and historical forces that shape scientific ideas, helping audiences understand both the power and the limits of biological explanations. He has consulted on films including the Oscar-winning Ex Machina and contributed over a hundred articles to publications including The Guardian and The Telegraph.
His presentations combine rigorous research with accessible explanations that equip people to navigate discussions about identity, ancestry and human difference. Book Adam to bring rigorous science, historical insight, and engaging storytelling to conversations about genetics, society, and human identity.
How can I book Adam Rutherford for my next event?
Email adam.rutherford@getapeptalk.com, or call us on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.
As speaker agents, PepTalk can secure Adam Rutherford for commercial and corporate events, conference keynotes, leadership talks, celebrity brand endorsements & partnerships, personal appearances, and motivational speaking engagements. We can assist with enquiries about Adam Rutherford's speaking fees, availability, and booking process for private business functions, industry conferences, and team events. Please note, for media interviews, autographs, charity appearances, or personal matters, we recommend contacting Adam directly.
What topics does Adam Rutherford specialise in?
Adam Rutherford specialises in discussing human origins and ancestry, racism and eugenics, debunking pseudoscience and more.
What is Adam Rutherford's speaking style like?
Adam delivers engaging, humorous talks that inspire curiosity and independent research. His approachable style resonates with diverse audiences, making complex topics accessible and sparking further interest in science and genetics.
Does Adam Rutherford offer virtual speaking engagements?
Yes, Adam Rutherford offers virtual speaker bookings for webinars, online conferences, and remote or distributed team engagements.
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