Chris Packham and Dr Chris van Tulleken to host new BBC science programmes

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Television presenters Chris Packham and Dr Chris van Tulleken host new BBC science programmes.

Among the new reality shows announced is a five-part documentary series entitled “Evolution,” in which 63-year-old Packham uses cutting-edge CGI techniques to take viewers back in time and learn about the evolutionary history of various animals.

In addition, 45-year-old virologist van Tulleken will embark on the international hunt for the origin of the next global pandemic in a one-hour Horizon special entitled “Disease X.”

The title of the documentary refers to the name given by the World Health Organization (WHO) to the yet-to-be-discovered virus that will most likely cause the next pandemic.

The show follows van Tulleken as he travels around the world to speak with leading experts in the fields of virology, epidemiology, vaccinology and public policy.

The doctor will also meet the teams that have continued their work in the science of preparedness since the Covid-19 pandemic, and visit their laboratories and outbreak monitoring facilities in the UK and abroad.

The Secret Genius Of Modern Life is another BBC series presented by Dr. Hannah Fry, telling the stories of scientific innovations that are right under our noses.

The five-part series offers behind-the-scenes insights into technology innovators such as Ring, Bosch and Philips.

The BBC has announced another Horizon special called ‘Secrets Of The Brain’, in which Professor Jim Al-Khalili will examine the evolution of the brain.

In the two one-hour episodes, Al-Khalili will explore how vicious prehistoric predators gave us “left and right brains,” how warm-bloodedness evolved and shaped the brain’s ability to remember, and how competition, friendship, caring, playfulness, song and laughter contributed to the evolution of our brains.

Tom Coveney, head of scientific commissioning, said: “In a world where we are constantly bombarded with news and social media is flooded with misinformation, good science programmes are not only important but also a welcome inspiration.

“I am continually amazed and delighted by the work of British scientists and their international colleagues in these programmes: whether they are working tirelessly to prevent the next pandemic, developing extraordinary technologies to transform our lives, studying how our minds work, or exploring the origins and endless diversity of life on Earth, there is something for everyone.

“It’s exciting to be able to offer our viewers such a range of stories and areas of expertise, particularly with this outstanding line-up of British presenters; some of the best science communicators in the world.”

Evolution, Horizon: Disease X, The Secret Genius of Modern Life – Series III and Horizon: Secrets of The Brain will all appear on BBC Two and BBC iPlayer.