Dr Emma Byrne

Dr Emma Byrne was made a patron of Humanists UK for their contribution to the greater public understanding of science.

Scientist, author, and broadcaster

Photo of Dr Emma Byrne

Dr Emma Byrne is an author, broadcaster and scientist. When she’s not developing intelligent systems, she writes for Forbes, the FT, and the Guardian. Her popular neuroscience books, Swearing is Good For You and How to Build a Human, have been published around the world to enthusiastic reviews. She frequently appears on Sky News and the BBC talking about neuroscience, the future of artificial intelligence, and swearing.

Emma delivered Humanists UK’s 2025 Rosalind Franklin Lecture on ‘The amazing science of bad language’. Her lecture explored the fascinating and often misunderstood role of swearing in human psychology and society, and its potential evolutionary basis. She was awarded the Rosalind Franklin Lecture medal.
 

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