Image: BBC Press
By Jon Donnis
This Christmas, BBC Four and iPlayer will host an enlightening series of lectures as Dr Chris van Tulleken, esteemed science presenter and NHS doctor, takes the stage for the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures. Known for its tradition of exploring the most captivating scientific concepts, the series will delve into the revolutionary science behind what happens inside our bodies when we eat.
The Royal Institution Christmas Lectures, an institution since their inception in 1825 by Michael Faraday, have become a staple of UK television, with the series broadcasting annually since 1966. Recognised for its excellence with a recent award of Patronage by the UK National Commission for UNESCO, the Lectures continue to captivate and educate young minds with cutting-edge science.
This year, Dr van Tulleken will explore the intricate relationship between food and human biology. His lectures will cover how food has shaped human evolution, reveal the significance of our microbiome—often dubbed the extra 'organ' we didn't know we had—and consider how we might improve our diets for better health and environmental sustainability.
Through engaging demonstrations and thought-provoking experiments, Dr van Tulleken aims to bring the science of eating to life. From the sensory experiences of taste and smell to the detailed process of digestion, he will uncover the impact of food on our bodies and brains. Expect an in-depth look at the journey of food from the tastebuds to the toilet, complete with special guest appearances and interactive elements that are a hallmark of the Royal Institution's engaging approach.
Dr van Tulleken expresses his enthusiasm, saying, "I am honoured beyond words to be asked to be the Ri's 2024 Christmas Lecturer. The food we eat, how it's produced, and the process through which we derive energy from it is not only deeply fascinating scientifically, it's also fundamental to human and planetary health. I'm really looking forward to revealing that fascinating science to our young audience, with the help of special expert guests and the Lectures' trademark demonstrations developed by the Ri team."
BBC's Tom Coveney, Head of Science Commissioning, highlights the relevance of the forthcoming lectures. "The latest food science is revolutionising our knowledge of what we're eating and what it's doing to our bodies. Chris's lectures will be fascinating, surprising and very thought-provoking, covering everything from the wonders of the microbiome to the truth about our shopping baskets."
The Director of the Royal Institution, Katherine Mathieson, also welcomes Dr van Tulleken's involvement, noting his connection with young viewers through his popular TV programmes. "An academic and a practising NHS doctor, Chris has built a real connection with young people through his many popular television programmes, and I am delighted that he will be bringing the science of food, diet, and digestion to life in the Ri Theatre this December."
The 2024 Christmas Lectures will feature a journey through the digestive process, including an innovative exploration where Dr van Tulleken will swallow a camera-pill to visually track digestion. He will discuss how food is converted into energy and building blocks for life, comparing human digestive systems with those of our animal relatives. The importance of gut health will also be emphasised, with insights into how our stools can reveal vital information about our well-being.
Dr van Tulleken will also address how modern diets, dominated by a limited range of processed foods, contrast with the diverse diets of our ancestors. He will explore potential solutions for restoring our relationship with food, collaborating with chefs and scientists to create sustainable future foods in the Ri Theatre.
The 2024 Royal Institution Christmas Lectures are a collaborative production between the Royal Institution and Windfall Films for BBC Four and iPlayer. The series is commissioned by Kate Phillips, Director of Unscripted, and Jack Bootle, Head of Commissioning, Specialist Factual. The project is overseen by BBC Commissioning Editor Tom Coveney, with Peter Gauvain as Series Producer, David Dugan as Executive Producer for Windfall, and Daniel Glaser as Executive Producer for the Royal Institution.
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