Ella Al-Shamahi

I wanted to study evolution because I was raised as a creationist and a missionary, and the more I delved into learning about evolution, the more I could see the validity of the science, the more I was enthralled by it and the more I felt it important that everyone should have access. The change I underwent was quite radical and painful and having experienced all that gave me empathy for those who don’t always believe in science.

I also happen to be of Yemeni heritage and was convinced that the Red Sea crossing at Bab al-Mandab might have been feasible as a crossing for both earlier species of human and early members of our own species when leaving Africa. However, almost no one was working there because of instability. I realized that huge parts of the planet’s scientific potential was being overlooked because of their political situation – we were missing scientific discoveries and dare I say it, future scientists. I am interested in communicating science to those who might not have access and those who are skeptical.

For me, risk should be assessed on a case-by-case basis, the approach should be nuanced and the teams should be able to demonstrate training, experience and mitigation. I would like to think that my talks, expeditions and media work help highlight what we gain and what we lose by excluding huge portions of the planet, their landscapes and their people due to conflicts. In turn people from unstable territories are already living there but they usually need the training and funding and can’t get that if the bulk of scientists and funding bodies grey out those places on the map.

I am a firm believer in no one being left behind and through my work I try to look inwards at the UK and US and ask if we are doing everything we can to bring along science skeptics and really welcome pluralism. I firmly believe that the best science is done when all biases are in the room. My TV, radio and tours often lean on ways of communicating that I hope to touch and connect with people.