Professor Arthur last addressed the society in 2006 on the topic of evolutionary development. On this occasion he will draw together information from embryology, evolution and cosmology to consider the likelihood of life having developed elsewhere in the galaxy. He is a man who enjoys working across disciplines and it will be immensely interesting to hear his views on this question which has intrigued humankind down the centuries.
Professor Arthur's new book on the topic, Life Through Time and Space, was published in August by Harvard University Press.