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This event is part of the Royal Society's Summer Science Exhibition 2026.

From evolution to capitalism, ‘survival of the fittest’ has shaped our view of the world. But the history of life on Earth is much more than a story of competition. The natural world has been forged and sustained by small miracles of co-operation between animals and plants, insects and fungi, fish and bacteria – these partnerships are ubiquitous, lifelong and are an essential guide for a better future.

In this talk about his latest book , award-winning science journalist, broadcaster and author will reveal the intimate connectedness of nature through these remarkable stories of symbiosis. From the female wasp venturing deep inside a fig to the intricate relationship between corals and the algae that sustain, he will explore how co-operation is fundamental to life itself and to protecting our shared future.

This event is part of the Trivedi Science Book Prize talks strand at Summer Science Exhibition 2026.

Attending the event

This event will be held in Theatre 1 at the Royal Society on Friday 3 July 2026, 11am – 11.30am.

• Free to attend as part of Summer Science Exhibition on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to seat availability. We recommend that visitors arrive 10-15 minutes before the session
• Eventbrite tickets for Summer Science Exhibition are recommended, with only a limited number of walk-up tickets released on the day
• Suitable for students aged 14+
• This talk will take place in person
• A recording of this talk will be available later on the
• Live subtitles will be available
• 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.