Natural Historian

Professor Phil Manning is Director of Science at the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi (UAE) and still holds the Chair of Natural History at the University of Manchester (UK). With over 35 years of experience in leading museums and academic institutions, he brings a distinct interdisciplinary perspective to scientific leadership, museum development, and public engagement. He is a Fellow of the Explorer’s Club (New York), a Fellow of the Geological Society (London), a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and also a Fellow of the Linnean Society of London.
 

Phil joined the NHM Abu Dhabi team as a scientific advisor in 2020 and became part of the museum’s senior leadership in 2024, helping to define its mission, vision, and global impact. His research spans geoscience, archaeology, history, biology, chemistry and physics, which provides an interdisciplinary foundation that aligns with the evolving role of museums as dynamic, knowledge-driven institutions. At its core, his work aims to inform and enrich the field of natural history.
 

A passionate communicator of science, Phil has written, filmed, and presented multiple award-winning documentaries for National Geographic, Discovery, BBC, CNN, and other major broadcasters. He is also the author of several books for both popular science and young audiences, and is a regular speaker at international forums, championing the vital role of museums and cultural instiutions in addressing global challenges.
 

As a museum leader, Phil is dedicated to reimagining how natural history is experienced and understood. He champions the integration of storytelling, emerging technologies, and inclusive education to foster curiosity, accessibility, and a deeper public connection to the natural world.