Professor Tim Coulson explores how birth-date bias sidelines football talent—and how science could level the pitch.
Science and Environment
Professor Tim Coulson is Professor of Zoology at the University of Oxford and a leading researcher in ecology and evolutionary biology. His work focuses on species interactions, population dynamics, and biodiversity, and he has published more than 200 scientific papers across these fields.
He writes for The European on environmental science, evolution, and the wider implications of current research—from emerging pathogens and human behaviour to extinction risk and the search for extraterrestrial life.
Tim has held senior academic roles at Oxford and Imperial College London, including Head of the Department of Biology at Oxford from 2022 to 2024. He has advised UK government committees on environmental policy and served on the editorial boards of major journals. His book, A Little History of Everything From the Big Bang to You, was published in paperback by Penguin in 2025. A second book, on predators, is due in 2026.
My grandfather survived a POW camp for his children — the least I can do is avoid bananas for mine
My grandfather survived a POW camp; now I strive to live sustainably to protect the future for my children and...
The next pandemic-causing bug won’t turn us into zombies, but it might still change us
Behavior-altering pathogens like Toxoplasma gondii may subtly change human behavior to increase their own transmission and spread.
Earth at risk of ‘Star Wars-like invasion’, The European’s science correspondent warns
Earth could face an invasion by slow, slug-like aliens, warns Professor Tim Coulson, urging caution over extraterrestrial technology.
If we encounter aliens, they will probably behave like us – and that’s not a good thing
If we encounter aliens, their technology may arrive first—and like us, they might seek to colonize Earth, posing serious risks.
Sorry folks: Bigfoot, Nessie, and the Yeti don’t exist
Bigfoot, Yeti, and Nessie are scientifically impossible, but the vast universe keeps the possibility of aliens alive.
Marvel of Nature: How WW3 Could Lead to ‘Superhero’ Humans
Humans might evolve superhuman traits after civilisation’s collapse, but peaceful times could lead to weaker, less intelligent descendants.
Professor Tim Coulson on Evolution and Human Extinction—and His Surprising Pick for Earth’s Next Rulers
Evolution shapes life through genetic changes over generations, and octopuses could become Earth’s next intelligent rulers after humans.
Professor Tim Coulson on Life, Chance, and the Science of Existence
Professor Tim Coulson’s Universal History of Us reveals the cosmic journey from the Big Bang to human existence and consciousness.
