13.8 Billion Years to Explore at the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi
WEBINAR
20th May 2026 19:00 GMT
by Phillip Manning (Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi)
Abstract
Natural History Museums have the potential to inspire visitors across the world through their unique objects, exhibitions and collections that help narrate the many stories underpinning our very existence. To be part of a team that delivers a completely new natural history museum from concept and build to public opening is a both a privilege and thrilling journey, offering a unique opportunity to find new ways to tell these stories, from the origins of the Universe, to the formation of our Solar System and our planet to the evolution of life on Earth.
This is a journey that we must never take for granted, as many are not exposed to the wonders of natural history as they were in the past. There seems to be a growing disjunct between humanity and natural history, as we now live in a time when many navigate the world via two thumbs on a glass screen.
It would be wonderful to ask the YGS to transport you all to Abu Dhabi to come and see the most recent cathedral to nature, but alas...you will see it first on a screen but I hope that a future visit to the Natural History Museum fuelled through this talk. This virtual tour aims to take you on an interactive journey through space and time, from the Big Bang to dinosaurs, mass extinctions to a sustainable future. Where else might you travel 13.8 billion years in 1 hour? And be hungry to return and discover more!
Biography
Professor Phil Manning FRGS, FGS, FLS, is the Director of Science (and also Deputy Director) at the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi (NHMAD), where he leads the museum’s science programmes with a focus on innovation and, collaboration, whilst also cultivating research-led outreach. A globally recognised natural historian and science communicator, Professor Manning bridges the worlds of research, technology, and public engagement to inspire a deeper understanding of life on our planet, both past and present. Professor Manning served as Chair of Natural History at the University of Manchester, a position he continues to hold.
He began advising the NHMAD team in 2020 and played a formative role in shaping the museum’s scientific foundation. His work spans multiple disciplines – merging biology, physics, chemistry, computer science, palaeontology with imaging technologies, including synchrotron-based imaging to explore and better understand the wonders of life on Earth.
Professor Manning’s research is diverse and has included projects on the biomechanics of dinosaurs to advancing materials science in nuclear waste storage and the aerospace industries. His approach exemplifies NHMAD’s vision of nurturing interdisciplinary science that can help serve society – where insights from the past can help shape solutions for the present that will have impact on our future.
Beyond the lab, he is an award-winning science communicator, having written, filmed, and presented numerous documentaries for National Geographic, Discovery Channel, BBC, and others. He is also the author of several popular science and children’s books, and a sought-after speaker known for making complex science engaging and accessible.
At NHMAD, Professor Manning plays a central role in positioning Abu Dhabi as a global hub for scientific excellence – ensuring that the museum’s research not only pushes the boundaries of science, but also inspires the next generation of explorers to investigate life on Earth and seek solutions for a sustainable future.