Julian Huxley and the Invention of the Public Scientist

Through the life and work of Julian Huxley, Jim Al-Khalili explores the idea of the public scientist.

Huxley was a member of the BBC's Brains Trust and a founder of UNESCO.

He also invented the Childrens Zoo at London Zoo. He wrote accessible books on evolution.

But how did being a media figure, committed to the public understanding, square with the world of academic science?

And where does Huxley's influence lie to this day? Without Huxley no Brian Cox?

Producer: Tim Dee

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in May 2011.