Mr Bill Bryson OBE FRS

Bill Bryson is a popular author who is driven by a deep curiosity for the world we live in. Bill’s books and lectures demonstrate an abiding love for science and an appreciation for its social importance. His international bestseller, A Short History of Nearly Everything (2003), is widely acclaimed for its accessible communication of science and has since been adapted for children.

His belief in the importance of science in shaping our future — and the need to improve how we communicate the vitality and excitement that science provides — led Bill to set up the Bill Bryson Prize for Science Communication, in conjunction with the Royal Society of Chemistry. The competition engages students from around the world in explaining science to non-experts.

Bill has received numerous awards for his remarkable ability to communicate science with such passion and enthusiasm. For the Royal Society’s 350th anniversary, Bill edited Seeing Further: The Story of Science and the Royal Society (2010), enabling the Society to convey the excitement and relevance of its own history to a wide audience.

Subject groups

  • History of science, Public understanding of science, Publications

Mr Bill Bryson OBE FRS
Elected 2013
Committees Participated Role
Science Policy Expert Advisory Committee November 2018 - March 2020 Member