Matt Ridley is a distinguished science writer with a robust scientific background, holding a Ph.D. in zoology from Oxford University. Renowned for his work in exploring the origins of COVID-19, he co-authored the influential book Viral: The Search for the Origin of COVID-19 with Alina Chan. Prior to this, Ridley authored several award-winning books, including The Red Queen and How Innovation Works.
Ridley’s career as a journalist has seen him serve as the science editor at The Economist and contribute regularly to prominent publications such as The Wall Street Journal, The Times of London, and The Spectator. His expertise and insights have extended beyond journalism; from 2013 to 2021, he was a member of the House of Lords, where he contributed to the Science and Technology Select Committee and the Artificial Intelligence Select Committee.
In recognition of his contributions to literature and science, Ridley is a fellow of the Royal Society of Literature and the Academy of Medical Sciences, as well as a foreign honorary member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.