The question “How did life on Earth begin?” is arguably one of the most intriguing questions in science. Whilst until fairly recently this question tended to be relegated to the ‘too difficult’ box, the attempts to answer it have now become extraordinarily vibrant and dynamic frontiers of science. Based on his recent book (co-authored with Nobel Laureate Professor Jack Szostak) Is Earth Exceptional?, astrophysicist Dr Mario Livio (University of Nevada, Las Vegas) will describe cutting-edge laboratory studies aimed at determining whether life can emerge from pure chemistry. In this lecture he will examine how using knowledge acquired through ingenious chemical experimentation, geological studies, advanced astronomical observations and imaginative theorising, researchers have managed to delineate a plausible pathway leading from the formation of the Earth to the appearance of the early biological cells.

Registration to attend this online lecture is free but booking is required to attend.