Lewis Ryan Dartnell (born 21 November 1980 in the UK) is a British researcher of Astrobiology, presenter, and professor of science communication at the University of Westminster. His works of popular science include The Knowledge: How to Rebuild our World from Scratch and Origins, which looks at how geology has impacted human history.
Prof. Lewis Dartnell is a research scientist at the University of Westminster. After a first class degree in biology at the University of Oxford he completed a PhD (UCL) in the field of astrobiology and the search for life beyond Earth. His work focuses on how microbial life, and signs of its existence, might survive the cosmic radiation in the dry dusty surface of Mars and what are the best ways to detect it.
Alongside his research, Lewis writes regularly about science and technology for New Scientist, BBC Focus, Cosmos, and national newspapers, has a monthly column in BBC Sky at Night magazine and has won several awards for his science writing. Lewis also presents frequent live events, including at the Royal Albert Hall, Royal Institution, literary and science festivals around the world, and even music festivals and a cruise ship touring the Mediterranean. Lewis has also appeared on TV shows including BBC Horizon, Wonders of the Universe, live international news shows, and documentaries on Discovery, History, and NOVA channels.
The Knowledge is Lewis' third book. His first book, Life in the Universe: A Beginner's Guide was published in 2007 by OneWorld Publications, and he has also published an illustrated children's book My Tourist's Guide to the Solar System and Beyond with Dorling Kindersley (2012).
