Thackray Science LIVE: Jurassic Hospital

Sat, 12 December 2026 10.30am - 1pm

How has the way we treat illnesses today helped us understand more about dinosaurs? What colour they were, and whether T-rex ever got the flu? All this and more will be answered at our first annual Family Christmas Lecture!

Palaeontologist Dr Rob Sansom (University of Manchester) joins our Thackray Boffins to explore the amazing science that connects modern medicine with the prehistoric world of dinosaurs. Blending fascinating facts with roar-inspiring live demonstrations to satisfy both junior fossil finders and wannabe medics alike.

About the Speakers

Dr Rob Sansom is a palaeobiologist and Senior Lecturer at the University of Manchester interested in using the fossil record to address big evolutionary problems such as the origin and early evolution of vertebrates, and the Cambrian diversification of animals. Rob also presents the popular podcast The Fossil Files that delves into the latest discoveries from the world of palaeontology.

The Thackray Boffins are our in-house team of science presenters and demonstrators. They put on lively, hands-on science shows for families, using experiments, stories, demonstrations and fun to explore fascinating topics in medicine, biology and the human body.

Type of event: Event , Family , Insights , Talk