New patron for Humanists UK: Darwin Day medalist, Professor Anjali Goswami

20 February, 2023

Anjali Goswami being presented the Darwin Day Medal at Humanists UK’s Darwin Day Lecture 2023

Humanists UK is delighted to announce the appointment of its newest patron, Professor Anjali Goswami, Research Leader in Palaeobiology and Dean of Postgraduate Education at the Natural History Museum. Anjali joins a stable of 200 Humanists UK patrons with notable careers in arts, literature, science, academia, politics, and community and civic activism.

Anjali Goswami is an expert in vertebrate evolution and development, particularly using high-resolution 3D images of specimens to quantify and reconstruct the evolution of biodiversity and understand how development, ecology and large-scale environmental effects have shaped animal evolution through deep time. As well as being Research Leader in Palaeobiology and Dean of Postgraduate Education at the Natural History Museum she is also an Honorary Professor of Palaeobiology at University College London. She currently serves as President of the Linnean Society of London, the first person of colour elected to this role in its 235-year history.

She has published more than 130 scientific articles on the evolution of different groups from insects to dinosaurs, but her main interest is in the evolution of mammals. She has searched for fossils all over the world, from Svalbard to Madagascar, and currently leads expeditions in Argentina and India. Anjali also created and manages www. phenome10k.org, a free online database for 3D biological images for research and education.

Anjali was awarded Humanists UK’s Darwin Day Medal in 2023 and delivered the Darwin Day Lecture, The Speed of Life: A Deep Time Perspective to a sellout audience.

Commenting on Anjali’s appointment, Chief Executive Andrew Copson said:

‘We’re delighted to announce Anjali as our newest patron following her sellout Darwin Day Lecture earlier this month. Anjali’s groundbreaking work has made a significant impact on our understanding of the history of life on Earth. We can’t wait to work with her!’

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For further comment or information, media should contact Humanists UK Director of Public Affairs and Policy Richy Thompson at press@humanists.uk or phone 020 7324 3072 or 020 3675 0959.

Humanists UK has 200 patrons who support its work in various ways through their expertise and prominence in various fields. Existing patrons include significant figures from the spheres of science, philosophy, human rights activism, politics, the arts, and broadcasting. The President of Humanists UK is the geneticist, science writer, and broadcaster, Dr Adam Rutherford. He is supported by Vice Presidents Professor Alice Roberts, Shaparak Khorsandi, Professor Jim Al-Khalili, Professor AC Grayling, and Polly Toynbee.

Humanists UK is the national charity working on behalf of non-religious people. Powered by 100,000 members and supporters, we advance free thinking and promote humanism to create a tolerant society where rational thinking and kindness prevail. We provide ceremonies, pastoral care, education, and support services benefitting over a million people every year and our campaigns advance humanist thinking on ethical issues, human rights, and equal treatment for all.