‘In the long history of humankind… those who learned to collaborate and improvise most effectively have prevailed.’ These words from Charles Darwin aren’t just a reflection on the natural world—they capture the essence of learning, adapting, and pushing the boundaries of knowledge. As a student at UCL, where Darwin’s legacy is more than just a historical footnote, I’ve come to appreciate just how deeply his ideas continue to shape our understanding of science. 

I first encountered Darwin’s theories in my History of Modern Science module. It was fascinating to see how his ideas weren’t just about finches and fossils, but about the very way we think about science itself. However, it wasn’t until I spent most of my second year in the Darwin Building—where many of my lectures were held—that I truly felt his presence in a tangible way. Walking past his statue every day, sitting in lecture halls, I began to wonder: what would Darwin think of the research happening here today? 

Why does Darwin still matter? 

Darwin didn’t just introduce a theory—he changed how we see life itself. His concept of evolution by natural selection provided the foundation for modern biology, influencing everything from genetics and ecology to artificial intelligence. When I first learned about evolutionary algorithms in AI, I was surprised to see just how deeply his ideas had permeated fields far beyond biology. Take AlphaFold, for example—an AI system developed by DeepMind that applies evolutionary principles to predict protein structures with stunning accuracy. This breakthrough has revolutionised biomedical research, offering insights into diseases and drug discovery. 

Living with Darwin at UCL 

For a university so steeped in history, UCL is remarkably forward-thinking. While Darwin himself may not have studied here, his influence is woven into the fabric of the institution. The Grant Museum of Zoology, just a short walk from my lectures, is filled with specimens that link directly to the Victorian era of scientific discovery. 

Darwin’s legacy is evident in the cutting-edge research that continues to refine our understanding of evolution. One of the most exciting contributions comes from Professor Ziheng Yang, who holds the R.A. Fisher Chair of Statistical Genetics at UCL. His work in molecular evolution and phylogenetics has revolutionised how scientists trace evolutionary relationships between species, using statistical models to better understand genetic variation and adaptation. 

But what truly makes Darwin’s influence at UCL special isn’t just the buildings or the museums—it’s the conversations. I remember debates in seminars about how Darwin’s theories have been adapted and misinterpreted over time, and discussions on how his ideas intersect with modern genetics and evolutionary research. Studying at UCL has made me realise that Darwin’s legacy isn’t just about the past—it’s about the future, and the ongoing pursuit of knowledge. 

The evolution of curiosity 

Darwin once wrote that “a man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life.” If there’s one thing I’ve learned at UCL, it’s that curiosity is the key to progress. Science doesn’t stand still, and neither should we. His work laid the foundation, but it’s up to us—students, researchers, and curious minds—to keep asking questions, challenging ideas, and exploring the unknown. 

So, this Darwin Day, take a moment to appreciate the ways his ideas continue to shape the world around us. After all, in the long history of humankind, those who continue to collaborate, adapt, and explore will always prevail.

Author: Mayukh Das
Image: Ian Scarfe, iStock, Statue of Charles Darwin in Shrewsbury