Alice Roberts

Born and raised in Bristol, Alice Roberts studied medicine at the University of Wales College of Medicine (now part of Cardiff University) and graduated with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery, and Bachelor of Science in Anatomy degrees. She obtained a Doctorate in Paleopathology in 2008 and since 2012, she has been Professor of Public Engagement in Science at the University of Birmingham.

Roberts has written several books that explore human evolution and history through a fascinating combination of archaeological finds, cutting-edge DNA research and historical writing. Many of these have also served as the basis for documentary series she has presented for the BBC, including 2009’s The Incredible Human Journey and The Celts (2015). She has also presented the popular Digging for Britain and Time Team series on the BBC. Her 2021 book Ancestors opened a marvellous trilogy that explores Britain’s past through burial site findings, with the first volume focusing on pre-historic Britons; the second, Buried (2022), charting the first millennium from the Roman cremations to early Christian burials; and the final part Crypt (2024) shedding light on the lives and deaths of the British in the Middle Ages.