What makes us human?

Discover the story of how human developmental biology evolved, from early insights to today’s breakthroughs. Free talk & drinks.

What makes us human?

With Professor Ben Simons, Gurdon Institute

How do we come to understand what makes us human? How a single cell gives rise to the incredible complexity of the human body, and what happens when this process goes awry?

Professor Ben Simons invites us to step back and explore the remarkable journey of discovery that has shaped modern human developmental biology. From early, often unexpected insights to today’s transformative technologies, this field has come a long way. Its story is as much about people and perseverance as it is about science. Along the way, we’ll see how generations of researchers (including many from Cambridge) have pieced together the puzzle of how humans grow and develop, and how this knowledge is now helping us better understand disease and ageing.

The talk will explore how the field has evolved through curiosity, collaboration, and creativity, and why looking back at past endeavours can be just as revealing as looking forward to the future. It’s an opportunity to see how scientific understanding builds over time, shaped by questions that continue to inspire new generations of scientists.

Whether you’re a lifelong science enthusiast or simply curious about how we’ve come to know what we know about ourselves, this event will be an engaging and accessible insight into the ongoing story of human biology.

After the talk, join us for an informal drinks reception where you can meet and chat with researchers from the Gurdon Institute. This is an opportunity to continue the conversation, ask questions, and hear firsthand how today’s scientists are exploring the fundamental question at the heart of it all: what makes us human?

This event is FREE, but booking is required.