Ella Al-Shamahi

Explorer, Paleoanthropologist & Science Communicator; Presenter of BBC's "Neanderthals: Meet Your Ancestors"; Author of "The Handshake"

London, UK
Live Event: $10,000 - $20,000 Virtual Event: Please Contact More Fee Info
History, Middle Eastern Heritage, Research & Exploration, Science, Storytelling, Technology, TED, Television & Film
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Ella Al-Shamahi Biography

Ella Al-Shamahi is a British explorer, paleoanthropologist, evolutionary biologist, writer, comedian, and presenter known for her work at the intersection of science communication, field research, and public engagement. Al-Shamahi holds a Bachelor of Science in Evolutionary Biology and a Master of Science in Taxonomy and Biodiversity from Imperial College London, in partnership with the Natural History Museum, London, and began a PhD in Evolutionary and Environmental Anthropology at University College London. She has been recognized as a National Geographic Emerging Explorer.

Al-Shamahi specializes in Neanderthals, cave exploration, and conducting scientific expeditions in conflict zones and unstable territories, including Iraq, Yemen, and Nagorno-Karabakh. Her research focuses on uncovering overlooked scientific sites, often in regions where access is limited due to security concerns. She led the first expedition to a cave in Iraqi Kurdistan in over five decades and advocates for the scientific value of exploring areas affected by instability.

In science television, Al-Shamahi has presented and produced programs such as BBC Two's "Neanderthals: Meet Your Ancestors" and "Horizon: Body Clock – What Makes Your Body Tick." She also presented the National Geographic program "Viking Warrior Women," where she contributed to the discovery of evidence suggesting a battle injury on a female Viking warrior. Her television credits include "Jungle Mystery: Lost Kingdoms of the Amazon" on Channel 4 and "Waterhole: Africa's Animal Oasis" on BBC2. Al-Shamahi hosted a BBC World Service radio series with journalist Abubakr Al-Shamahi, reflecting on the anniversary of the Arab Spring, and anchored the five-part BBC Studios/PBS NOVA series "HUMAN," which explores the evolution of humanity.

As an author, Al-Shamahi wrote "The Handshake: A Gripping History," which examines the origins and cultural significance of the human handshake. The book was recognized as a Times and Sunday Times Book of the Year. She also hosts BBC's "The Conversation," a global podcast focused on women's experiences in fields such as music, sports, and climate activism. Her TED Talk, "The fascinating (and dangerous) places scientists aren't exploring," has received millions of views and highlights the challenges and importance of scientific research in underexplored regions.

Al-Shamahi is also active in science communication through stand-up comedy, performing at venues including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Bloomsbury Theatre, and the National Geographic main stage. She uses humor as a tool to make complex scientific topics accessible to broader audiences. Raised as a creationist before pursuing evolutionary science, Al-Shamahi brings a unique perspective to science outreach, emphasizing empathy and accessibility in her work.

Contact a speaker booking agent to check availability on Ella Al-Shamahi and other top speakers and celebrities.

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Speaker profile last updated by AAE Talent Team on 07/23/2026.

Ella Al-Shamahi Videos

The fascinating (and dangerous) places scientists aren't exploring

The fascinating (and dangerous) places scientists aren't exploring

We're not doing frontline exploratory science in a huge portion of the world -- the places governments deem too hostile or disputed. What might we be...

Ella Al-Shamahi for HIP Yemen

Ella Al-Shamahi for HIP Yemen

Snapshots with paleoanthropologist and stand up comic, Ella Al-Shamahi, at the National Geographic Society headquarters in Washington DC. Al-Shamahi...

Fossil Hunting in the Yemen: Archaeologists Without Borders

Fossil Hunting in the Yemen: Archaeologists Without Borders

In this hilarious and thought-provoking talk, National Geographic Explorer and stand­up comic Ella Al-Shamahi explains why a huge part of the...

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The Handshake
The Handshake

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    Ella Al-Shamahi is a keynote speaker and industry expert whose speaking topics include History, Middle Eastern Heritage, Research & Exploration, Science, Storytelling, Technology, TED, Television & Film

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Ella Al-Shamahi is a keynote speaker and industry expert who speaks on a wide range of topics. The estimated speaking fee range to book Ella Al-Shamahi for your event is $10,000 - $20,000. Ella Al-Shamahi generally travels from London, UK and can be booked for (private) corporate events, personal appearances, keynote speeches, or other performances. Similar motivational celebrity speakers are Ramez Naam, Mary Vincent, Chin-Teng Lin, Greg De Temmerman and Scott Loarie. Contact All American Speakers for ratings, reviews, videos and information on scheduling Ella Al-Shamahi for an upcoming live or virtual event.

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