In this episode of Naturally Speaking, PhD students Mar Pineda and Nic Strowbridge interview our 2024 Darwin Day speaker, Professor Rebecca Kilner FRS, an evolutionary biologist as well as the Head of Zoology and Director of the Museum of Zoology at the University of Cambridge. Professor Kilner shares her journey into the field of evolutionary biology which began in her sixth form after being inspired by popular science books on evolution.

Professor Kilner’s research focuses on the evolution of parental care, particularly in burying beetles. Her experiments have shown how these beetles adapt their care strategies in response to environmental pressures, revealing rapid evolutionary changes. She emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary approaches, integrating genomics, proteomics, and biomechanics to enhance our understanding of evolutionary biology.

We also find out about Professor Kilner’s passion for public engagement and the role of natural history museums in our communities, as well as the role it can play on aspiring scientists. Tune into the podcast to learn more about Professor Kilner’s academic journey and work in public engagement. We hope you enjoy the discussion!

Banner image: Lesser Vespillo Burying Beetle (Nicrophorus vespilloides) by Ludivine Lamare via Wikimedia Commons