Two full centuries ago, a man was born who would set out to change the landscape of the biological sciences forever. Charles Robert Darwin (12 February 1809 – 19 April 1882) is rightly considered one of the top scientists ever to set foot on our tiny and insignificant planet. His enquiring and resilient nature saw him embark on a magnificent journey towards understanding what all of us are struggling to comprehend: life itself!

Evolution through natural selection is a scientific achievement that has immensely influenced all related sciences, and is the underpinning of all modern biology. Indeed, “nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution” [Theodosius Dobzhansky].

For his contributions to our understanding of life, today, we celebrate his birthday, and honour his personality.



[source: Natural History Museum]