Rewriting the History of Human Influence on the Sea - Doggerland Lecture by Callum Roberts
How pristine are our seas, really? On Wednesday 30 September 2026, Natuurhistorisch Museum Rotterdam and the British Council welcome internationally renowned marine biologist Professor Callum Roberts for the prestigious Doggerland Lecture.
In his lecture, Rewriting the History of Human Influence on the Sea, Roberts explores how humans have been shaping marine ecosystems for far longer than we often realise. Challenging the idea of a ‘pristine’ ocean, he offers a new perspective on the relationship between people and the sea. What does this mean for restoring nature? And how can history help us make better decisions for the future of our oceans?
The lecture comes at a time when the health of our oceans has never been more important. Rising sea temperatures, biodiversity loss, pollution and sea-level rise highlight the urgent need to better understand and protect marine ecosystems.
Photo credit: Henley Spiers
About Callum Roberts
Callum Roberts (1963) is Professor of Marine Conservation at the University of Exeter and Chief Scientist of the Convex Seascape Survey. He is internationally recognised as one of the world's leading marine conservation scientists and is the author of several influential books and publications, including The Unnatural History of the Sea.
Programme - Wednesday 30 September
19:00 – Doors open at the venue: Kunsthal (opposite Natuurhistorisch Museum Rotterdam)
19:30 – Programme begins
- Welcome by Meike Moors, Director of Natuurhistorisch Museum Rotterdam
- Musical performance by students from Codarts Rotterdam
- Introduction by Lieke Lokin, River Researcher and River Engineering Advisor
- Doggerland Lecture - Human influence on the Sea by Callum Roberts
- Q&A
- Closing words by Chris Rampling, British Ambassador to the Netherlands
21:30 – Reception with drinks at Natuurhistorisch Museum Rotterdam
About Lieke Lokin
Lieke Lokin is river researcher and advisor at HKV Lijn in Water. She is passionate about how rivers and landscapes changes over time; how human interventions shape these dynamic systems and how we can shape that landscape for the future challenges. In her scientific work she focussed specifically on what the riverbed, underneath the water surface, looks like and how that changes in time. As a Face of Science - KNAW, she is passionate about connecting scientific research with a wider audience. Her perspective offers a valuable link between the historical human influence on our waters and the challenges we face in managing and restoring aquatic landscapes today.
Photo credit: Rikkert Harink
Reserve your place for the Doggerland Lecture
We'll let you know as soon as ticket sales open, giving you priority access to purchase tickets.
- Regular ticket €22.50
- Student ticket €10.00 (with a valid student ID / limited tickets available)
The ticket includes the full lecture programme, complimentary drinks and an evening visit to Natuurhistorisch Museum Rotterdam. Please note that discount cards and museum passes cannot be used for this event.
For any questions, please contact info@hetnatuurhistorisch.nl, FAQ can be found here
About the Doggerland Lecture
The Doggerland Lecture is an annual international lecture organised by the British Council and Natuurhistorisch Museum Rotterdam. Named after the prehistoric landscape that once connected the Netherlands and the United Kingdom, the lecture series brings leading scientists to Rotterdam to share the latest scientific insights into today's most pressing challenges. The Doggerland Lecture is the successor to the Hoboken Lecture which featured 10 lectures between 2011 and 2023.
More information
Learn more about the Doggerland Lecture and explore previous editions.
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