Prof Alice Roberts: Cell to Civilisation
Live on stage
Sat 30 November, 7:30pm - 10:00pm
Who are we? Where do we come from? What does it mean to be human? For thousands of years, such questions have been explored through philosophy and religion, but the answers now seem to lie firmly within the grasp of an empirical approach to the world and our place within it.
By peering deep into our past and dragging clues out into the light, science can now provide us with some of the answers to the questions that people have always asked. From the first spark of life on earth 3.8 billion years ago, we track the evolution and connectivity of all living things.
Join us as we follow in the footsteps of our ancestors from Africa into Asia and around the Indian coastline, to Australia, north into Europe and Siberia, and, eventually, to the Americas.
We’ll meet some other human species along the way. We’ll examine the sophistication of some of the earliest civilisations, and we’ll discuss how we know what we know and why we think what we think, what the science can tell us.
Address
Convention Centre
1 Convention Centre Place
South Wharf, Melbourne Victoria Australia 3006
Event links
Our venue
Welcome to our cash-free zone! Please use electronic payment methods when inside the venue.
Need cash? ATMs are conveniently located on the concourse of Melbourne Exhibition Centre near Door 4.
Stay connected and productive at our charging stations conveniently placed throughout the venue.
Find them at Shed Café, Plenary Café, Goldfields Café + Bar, and behind the Sovereign Room staircase and Door 17 staircase.
Are you looking to store your coat, pram, or luggage?
Visit our Customer Service desk at Convention Centre Place, and our friendly staff will happily assist you.
Our Conditions of Entry ensure a safe and inclusive environment for everyone who visits. They outline acceptable behaviour, health and safety measures, and conditions for filming and photography.
For parents and children, our Parent Rooms provide a comfortable and private space equipped for changing or feeding.
Located in both the Convention and Exhibition Centres.
Visit our prayer rooms located in Melbourne Convention Centre.
Enjoy free Wi-Fi throughout the venue.
Some events offer a dedicated premium network; event organisers will provide you with the network name and password if applicable.
Event food and beverage
Hungry?
We've got you covered with a variety of food options to make your experience seamless:
Street Eats stations: Grab some delicious food on the go.
Thirsty?
We've got you covered with a variety of drink options to make your experience seamless:
Dedicated bar: In the mood for alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverages? Our bar has you covered.
Discover more
We are continually working to create a more inclusive event experience for all our visitors.
Assistance animals
We welcome assistance animals inside our venue. To provide comfort for both patron and animal, consider booking a wheelchair bay with a carer seat due to limited space between seating rows.
Assisted hearing
Meeting rooms within the Convention Centre are equipped with TTA Hearing Assisted telephones and hearing devices available for hire at no cost. Contact our Customer Service team at +61 3 9235 8000 or email enquiries@mcec.com.au to book.
Vision impairment
Braille is provided on all room door signage and fixed directional signage throughout the venue. MCEC is guide dog friendly, welcoming registered assistance dogs into all areas of the building.
Wheelchair access and hire
Accessible toilets, ramps, and lifts are available throughout our venue.
There is accessible parking at the Exhibition Centre Basement Car Park with lift access up to Door 1, 6 and 10 in Exhibition Centre.
We offer limited wheelchairs for day loans, with wider wheelchairs available if needed.
To arrange wheelchair hire, contact our Customer Service team at +61 3 9235 8000 or email enquiries@mcec.com.au .
Wide and accessible seating
Contact your authorised ticketing agent before the event to arrange an accessible seat, as on-the-day arrangements may not be possible.
In theatres, wider seats are available for use and are typically placed in accessible wheelchair spaces.
Please visit the Customer Service desk on arrival to arrange seating.
Stay close, stay connected. From upscale luxury to boutique charm or the ease of serviced apartments, we’ve got accommodation options to match your style.
Stay onsite at Pacific Melbourne or Novotel Melbourne South Wharf. Keep it local with our precinct hotels just moments from MCEC, or for that city buzz, explore our picks in Melbourne’s lively centre—each offering a unique way to experience the city's vibrant energy.
There’s just something magnetic about this city! As Australia’s beating heart of culture, creativity, and pulse-racing sports, Melbourne is alive with energy and diversity. From globally celebrated festivals to its status as a foodie’s paradise and the undisputed coffee capital, Melbourne’s charisma is undeniable.
Curious to see what all the buzz is about? Let MCEC be your guide through everything this dynamic city has to offer.
Planning your visit to MCEC? Here’s what you need to know.
MCEC does not handle ticketing; please contact your ticket issuer directly for any ticket-related questions, like purchasing or misplaced tickets.
Large bags, prams, and suitcases are not allowed in Plenary and Goldfields Theatre; small bags are fine.
Cloaking services are available for larger items and must be collected within 30 minutes after the event.
You can bring cold food and drinks, but hot meals and open hot drinks are not allowed.
MCEC has enhanced security checks, so allow extra time for entry.
While social media posting is usually encouraged, cameras and recording devices may be restricted—check signage or ask our staff for details.
