Alice Roberts: Anatomist, Broadcaster and Professor

Introduction

Alice Roberts is a prominent figure at the intersection of medicine, anatomy and public engagement with science. Born in Bristol in 1973, she has combined clinical training, academic research and media work to bring anatomical and anthropological topics to a broad audience. Her role is significant for public understanding of science and for promoting dialogue between universities and the public.

Main details

Academic and medical background

Roberts originally studied medicine and anatomy at Cardiff University and worked as a junior doctor in South Wales before moving into academia. She spent eleven years as a lecturer in anatomy at the University of Bristol. Her academic research includes a PhD thesis (Roberts AM, 2008) entitled “Rotator Cuff Disease in humans and apes: a palaeopathological and evolutionary perspective on shoulder pathology,” completed at the University of Bristol. She has also co-supervised postgraduate research on locomotor behaviour and anatomy in human and non-human apes.

Current roles and teaching

Since 2012, Roberts has been Professor of Public Engagement with Science at the University of Birmingham, where she chairs the university’s Public Engagement with Science Committee. She currently teaches on a range of courses at the University of Birmingham, including biological sciences, sport and exercise sciences and the BMedSc Clinical Sciences programme.

Public profile and media work

Roberts is described as an anatomist, biological anthropologist, author and broadcaster and is listed for public activities such as “On Tour 2025.” IMDb records indicate she is also credited as a writer and actress, with credits including “Curse of the Ancients” (2022) and work on “Detectorists.” Her university profile and associated social media pages (Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Weibo) are noted as outlets for her public engagement.

Conclusion

Alice Roberts’ career blends clinical training, academic research and sustained public communication. As Professor of Public Engagement with Science at the University of Birmingham and an active broadcaster and author, she is likely to remain a visible advocate for making anatomical and anthropological science accessible. For readers interested in public science, Roberts’ combination of teaching, research supervision and media presence underscores the ongoing value of bridging academic expertise with wider audiences.