From the biology of race to virgin births, Dr. Aarathi Prasad is a leading commentator on the genetics behind some of our most hotly-debated aspects of reproduction, and what changes we could expect to see as science and technology progress. A prominent science communicator, she has brought the topic of sex and science to audiences worldwide.
Aarathi’s background is in biology – she achieved her Ph.D in Mammalian Cell Cycle Biology from Imperial College London, before proceeding to research the genetic mechanisms underlying tumour development in collaboration with Cancer Research UK.
A recipient of the Wellcome Trust Mentoring Award for Emerging Talent, Aarathi has risen to become a regular voice in the world of science engagement, with her commentary featuring in several national newspapers and prominent technology websites over the years – her topics of writing include why sex could be history, and the genetic benefits of being mixed race. What’s more, she has written and starred in a number of documentaries, including Channel 4 and the Discovery Channel’s Is it better to be mixed race? and Brave New World with Stephen Hawking.
Aside from digesting science to the layperson, Aarathi has also been active in advising national science policy. She has worked with UK science charity Sense About Science to promote evidence-based development, and more recently worked as a science advisor for the British Council, where she developed international research collaborations and public engagement. In addition to this, she has chaired parliamentary briefings on the regulation of DIY health tests, and spoken at several political conferences on the topic of science in policy and media.
In 2012, Aarathi published her first book, , Like a Virgin: How Science is Redesigning the Rules of Sex, in which she discusses the biology of sex and how reproduction may change in the future. She has since discussed the topic at science festivals all over the world.
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