Selfie of Ben, in a blue top, against a blurred (mostly green) background, in the Norfolk marshes. The sky is quite cloudy. Copyright held by B Garrod

Ben Garrod

Personal profile

Career

I am an interdisciplinary biologist with a background in temperate and tropical biology, conservation management, community engagement, and education outreach. Much of my work has focused on chimpanzee, gorilla, and orangutan conservation and biology, but I have been fortunate enough to work also with a wide range of other iconic fauna, from sharks and whales, and even mammoths and dinosaurs.  

I am also an award-winning broadcaster, and author. I have presented a range of science and wildlife documentaries and series, including 'Secrets of Bones' (BBC Four), 'Hyper-Evolution: Rise of the Robots' (BBC Two), and 'Attenborough and the Mammoth Graveyard' (BBC One). I have hosted numerous BBC Radio Four, and Audible Original, series (including BBC Inside Science) and have written over 20 books, primarily aimed at engaging young readers with scientific non-fiction content.

Teaching Interests

My teaching spans several undergraduate modules, where there is a focus on evolutionary biology, and biodiversity. Additionally, I run numerous anatomy practicals, with a strong emphasis on form and function.

Expertise related to UN Sustainable Development Goals

In 2015, UN member states agreed to 17 global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to end poverty, protect the planet and ensure prosperity for all. This person’s work contributes towards the following SDG(s):

  • SDG 3 - Good Health and Well-being
  • SDG 4 - Quality Education
  • SDG 10 - Reduced Inequalities
  • SDG 13 - Climate Action
  • SDG 14 - Life Below Water
  • SDG 15 - Life on Land

Education/Academic qualification

Bachelor of Science, Animal Behaviour, Anglia Ruskin University

Master in Science, Wild Animal Biology, Royal Veterinary College, University of London

Doctor of Science, Primates of the Caribbean: using historical-era introduction of monkeys in the Lesser Antilles to understand patterns of island evolution., University College London

External positions

Patron, British Hen Welfare Trust

Patron, Humanists UK

Ambassador, Marine Conservation Society

Patron, Natural Sciences Collections Association

Vice President, Norfolk Wildlife Trust

President, Norfolk and Norwich Naturalists' Society

Patron, Norwich Science Festival

Patron, Youth STEMM Award

Keywords

  • Zoology
  • Biodiversity, Conservation & Environmental Biology
  • Education (General)
  • Science (General)

Media Expertise

  • Biology
  • Biodiversity
  • Conservation
  • Climate Change
  • Environment
  • Evolution
  • Adaptation
  • Education
  • Environmental Politics
  • Exercise
  • Infectious diseases
  • Pollution
  • Volunteering