Talk: Why we die

This event is part of the Royal Society's Summer Science Exhibition 2024.

Recent discoveries in biology have taught us a lot about aging and why we die. But can this knowledge eventually help us turn back the clock? And, in the meantime, can we improve our chances of living long, healthy and fulfilling lives?

In this talk, Nobel Prize-winning scientist and former president of the Royal Society, Venki Ramakrishnan, explores the latest science of aging and reveals how cutting-edge efforts to improve our lives as we age, and possibly extend lifespan by changing our natural biology, raise important questions.

Ramakrishnan will talk about some key messages from his recent book on aging in a way that is easy to understand.

Venki Ramakrishnan is a scientist at the MRC Laboratory of Molecular Biology in Cambridge, and the author of a fascinating new book, “Why We Die: The New Science of Ageing and the Quest for Immortality”.   

Attending the event

This talk will be held in the Kohn Centre room on Saturday 6 July 2024, 1.15pm — 1.45pm. 

• Free to attend, no ticket required
• The room has limited capacity, so we recommend that visitors arrive at least 10-15 minutes before the talk. We operate a first-come, first-served policy
• This talk will take place in person at the Royal Society and will also be livestreamed on the Royal Society YouTube channel
• Live subtitles will be available in-person and virtually
• Suitable for everyone
• Travel and accessibility information and details on planning your visit - contact us directly to arrange any specific accessibility requirements
• Food and drink will be available for purchase at our onsite café

For all enquiries, please email us.