Professor Alice Roberts is a British anatomist and biological anthropologist who has become one of the most recognisable faces of science on British television. Born in Bristol in 1973, she combines a rigorous academic background with a talent for communicating complex ideas about human evolution, archaeology, and anatomy to a wide audience.
As a professor of public engagement in science at the University of Birmingham, Roberts has written multiple books and presented landmark BBC series such as The Incredible Human Journey and Digging for Britain. Her work sits at the intersection of research, education, and entertainment, making her a rare figure in the world of popular science.
Who is Professor Alice Roberts?
- Biography: Alice May Roberts, born 19 May 1973 in Bristol, England.
- Career: Professor of Public Engagement in Science at University of Birmingham, TV presenter, author.
- Personal Life: Married to David Stevens, two children.
- Current Events: Touring in November 2026.
- Alice Roberts is a rare combination of academic (professor of public engagement) and popular media personality.
- Her books bridge archaeology, anatomy, and human evolution for a general audience.
- She is active on social media, but maintains a private personal life.
- The 2026 tour is a significant event, likely to sell out.
- Health rumours lack substantiation; she has not publicly addressed illness or weight loss.
| Attribute | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Alice May Roberts |
| Born | 19 May 1973 in Bristol, England |
| Age (as of 2026) | 53 |
| Profession | Anatomist, biological anthropologist, author, broadcaster, academic |
| University | University of Birmingham (Professor of Public Engagement in Science since 2012) |
| Marital Status | Married to David Stevens |
| Children | Two (a son and a daughter) |
| Notable Books | The Incredible Unlikeliness of Being, Tamed, Ancestors, Don’t Die Young |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Next Major Event | UK Tour – November 2026 |
What books has Professor Alice Roberts written?
Popular science for a general audience
Roberts has authored between seven and fourteen books, depending on how editions and translations are counted. Titles include The Incredible Unlikeliness of Being (shortlisted for the Wellcome Book Prize in 2015), Tamed: Ten Species that Changed Our World, and Ancestors: A Prehistory of Britain in Seven Burials.
Her book The Incredible Unlikeliness of Being was shortlisted for the Wellcome Book Prize in 2015, highlighting her ability to make human biology and evolution accessible and engaging.
Visual and academic references
She also contributed to major reference works such as The Complete Human Body and Human Anatomy: The Definitive Visual Guide, as well as Evolution: The Human Story. Her book The Celts: Search for a Civilisation explores ancient British history.
Who is Alice Roberts’ husband?
Who is Dr Alice Roberts husband?
Alice Roberts is married to David Stevens, a photographer. The couple have two children together. Roberts rarely discusses her family in public and does not share photographs of her husband or children on social media, maintaining a clear boundary between her professional and private life.
Roberts rarely shares photographs of her husband or children on social media, reflecting a deliberate choice to keep her family life separate from her public academic and media work.
What is Professor Alice Roberts’ net worth and age?
Born on 19 May 1973, Roberts turned 53 in 2026. Her net worth, however, is not a matter of public record. No credible source has published a verified figure, and any estimates found online should be treated with caution.
No credible source has published Professor Roberts’ net worth. Estimates found online are not backed by official disclosures or reliable financial reports, so any figure should be treated as unsubstantiated.
When is Professor Alice Roberts’ 2026 tour?
- – Born in Bristol, England.
- 1990s – Educated at Redmaids’ High School, then studied medicine at the University of Wales (MB BCh).
- 2000s – Worked as a junior doctor and later as a lecturer in anatomy at the University of Bristol.
- 2008 – Awarded a PhD in palaeopathology from the University of Bristol.
- 2008–2012 – Became a regular contributor to BBC programmes such as Coast and Time Team.
- 2012 – Appointed Professor of Public Engagement in Science at the University of Birmingham.
- 2014–2018 – Published key books including The Incredible Unlikeliness of Being (shortlisted for the Wellcome Book Prize).
- 2020s – Continued presenting Digging for Britain and other series.
- November 2026 – Scheduled tour according to her official website.
Is Alice Roberts ill or has she lost weight?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| She holds a PhD in palaeopathology (study of ancient disease), but this is a research field, not a personal health condition. | Whether she has experienced any personal illness is not publicly documented. |
| No public statements about weight loss from Roberts or her representatives. | Unsubstantiated rumours about weight loss circulate online but lack credible sources. |
| She continues to appear in television programmes and public events without visible changes that would indicate a health crisis. | No official confirmation or denial of health issues has been issued. |
How has Professor Alice Roberts influenced public understanding of science?
Roberts is part of a generation of scientist-presenters who have made complex topics accessible without oversimplifying. Her BBC series The Incredible Human Journey traced human migration out of Africa, while Origins of Us examined key evolutionary adaptations. Both programmes reached millions of viewers.
Her position at the University of Birmingham as Professor of Public Engagement in Science is specifically designed to encourage dialogue between researchers and the public. In 2024, the University of Leicester awarded her an honorary degree, recognising her contribution to public understanding of science.
What do sources say about Professor Alice Roberts?
“Alice Roberts is Professor of Public Engagement in Science at the University of Birmingham. Her research interests include the evolution of the human skeleton, palaeopathology, and the history of anatomy.”
University of Birmingham staff profile
“I got sidetracked into academia in a delightful way,” Roberts told The Big Issue, reflecting on her unexpected journey from medicine to television.
The Big Issue interview
“Alice Roberts is a Patron of Humanists UK. She has written extensively on human evolution and is a strong advocate for evidence-based thinking.”
Humanists UK
What is the key takeaway about Professor Alice Roberts?
Professor Alice Roberts remains a trusted voice in science communication, blending academic rigour with accessible storytelling. Her books, television series, and upcoming 2026 tour demonstrate a sustained commitment to public education. For more on leading figures in this field, see Related article: ‘Top scientist-communicators in the UK’.
Does Alice Roberts have children?
Yes, she has a son and a daughter with her husband David Stevens.
What is Alice Roberts’ PhD in?
She earned a PhD in palaeopathology from the University of Bristol.
Which TV shows has Alice Roberts presented?
Notable shows include ‘The Incredible Human Journey’, ‘Digging for Britain’, and ‘Coast’.
Is Alice Roberts married?
Yes, she is married to David Stevens, a photographer.
What is Professor Alice Roberts’ official website?
Her official site is www.alice-roberts.co.uk.
Where does Alice Roberts live?
She lives in the Bristol area, but the exact location is not publicly disclosed.
How many books has Alice Roberts written?
Sources vary, but she has written between seven and fourteen books, depending on editions.
Related stories
Vanessa Shaw is Editor-in-Chief at CultureObserver.uk, overseeing editorial policy, corrections, standards, celebrity and privacy standards and publication decisions.