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Geneticist dismantling racist myths

Adam Rutherford

Dismantle pseudoscientific racism with Adam Rutherford, geneticist and science communicator specialising in genetics, race and eugenics. Adam helps audiences understand how genetics undermines racist arguments while revealing the shared biological story of humanity. Royal Society David Attenborough Award recipient and BBC broadcaster who lectures at University College London.

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Adam Rutherford, Speaker | Geneticist, Broadcaster
Adam Rutherford

Adam Rutherford

London, United Kingdom

Typical fee range

£6–10k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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London, United Kingdom

Starting from

£6–10k

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Adam Rutherford's biography

At a glance

  • Geneticist specialising in race and eugenics research
  • BBC presenter of Inside Science and Curious Cases
  • Royal Society David Attenborough Award for public engagement
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.

Adam's showreel and videos

Why we recommend booking Adam

Adam Rutherford blends rigorous genetics research with powerful storytelling to reveal how science shapes our understanding of race, identity and society. Book Adam to give your audience clear, engaging insights that challenge myths and inspire informed conversations.

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Testimonials

Adam [Rutherford] was very funny and great to have as an after-dinner speaker.

Pensions and Lifetime Savings Association

We have been lucky enough to have Adam visit our school twice as a guest lecturer, as part of our outreach and enrichment programme. His lectures have been thoroughly enjoyed by parents and students alike, so much so that each year when reading through dozens of biology-related personal statements, I notice our students referring directly to Adam's talks, and how they have inspired further independent research or how they link to their chosen degree specialism.

Ayala Daisley

Ayala Daisley Colchester Royal Grammar School

Featured Projects

Adam Rutherford - Where Are You Really From? book cover
Adam Rutherford - Rutherford And Fry’s Complete Guide To Absolutely Everything book cover
Adam Rutherford - The Book Of Humans book cover

frequently asked questions

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How do I book Adam Rutherford for my next event?
Email adam.rutherford@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk 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 Adam's 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.

What is Adam Rutherford's speaking style like?
Adam Rutherford structures his presentations by connecting peer-reviewed genetics research with the historical and social contexts in which that science developed, drawing on his academic work at University College London and his authored books to trace how biological science has been misused to justify racism and inequality.

What topics does Adam Rutherford specialise in?
Adam Rutherford speaks on the genetics of race and ancestry, the history of eugenics and scientific racism, and the misuse of biological science to justify inequality. He received the Royal Society David Attenborough Award for public engagement with science in 2021 and lectures in Biology and Society at University College London, where he teaches the history of eugenics and race science.

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What does 'typical fee range' mean?

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What information do I need to provide when booking a speaker?

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