Who Is Richard Dawkins? Age, Biography and Wiki
Richard Dawkins, born on March 26, 1941, in Nairobi, Kenya, is a prominent British evolutionary biologist, ethologist, and author. As of 2025, he is 84 years old. Dawkins is best known for his work in the field of evolutionary biology and for his books, including "The Selfish Gene," "The Blind Watchmaker," and "The God Delusion." He has been a leading voice in popularizing science and advocating for atheism while engaging in debates that challenge religious ideologies.
| Occupation | Psychologists |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | March 26, 1941 |
| Age | 84 Years |
| Birth Place | Nairobi, then part of British Kenya |
| Horoscope | Aries |
| Country | Kenya |
Popularity
Richard Dawkins's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Richard Dawkins stands at an approximate height of 6 feet (183 cm) and has maintained a weight of around 155 lbs (70 kg). While specific body measurements aren't publicly detailed, it is known that he has kept an active lifestyle, contributing to his overall health and longevity.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Having been married three times, Dawkins' relationship history is quite notable. He married his first wife, Marian (Irene) Dawkins, in 1967, with whom he shares their daughter, Juliet. He later married actress and writer, Eve Barham, in 1984. His current partner, as of 2025, is Dr. Ginger Campbell, with whom he has enjoyed a supportive and engaged relationship. Although the couple remains private about their personal lives, they often share mutual interests in science and philosophy, contributing to their deep connection.
He later dropped Clinton from his name by deed poll because of confusion in the United States over using his middle name as his first name.
He is the son of Jean Mary Vyvyan (née Ladner; 1916–2019) and Clinton John Dawkins (1915–2010), an agricultural civil servant in the British Colonial Service in Nyasaland (present-day Malawi), of a landed gentry family from Oxfordshire.
His father was called up into the King's African Rifles during the Second World War and returned to England in 1949, when Dawkins was eight. His father had inherited a country estate, Over Norton Park in Oxfordshire, which he farmed commercially. Dawkins lives in Oxford. He has a younger sister, Sarah.
Net Worth and Salary
Richard Dawkins has an estimated net worth of approximately $10 million as of 2025. This wealth comes from his successful career as an author, speaker, and biologist, along with royalties from his books, which have sold millions of copies worldwide. He also earns from speaking engagements and public appearances, making him one of the leading figures in the intersection of science communication and public discourse.
Career, Business and Investments
Dawkins began his academic career at the University of California, Berkeley, and later served as the Professor for Public Understanding of Science at the University of Oxford. He has authored numerous books that bring complex scientific concepts to general audiences, receiving critical acclaim and numerous awards for his contributions to literature and education.
In addition to his work as an author and educator, Dawkins is also involved in various charitable foundations and initiatives that promote science education and secularism. His investments are primarily focused on educational projects and promoting scientific literacy worldwide.
From 1967 to 1969 Dawkins was an assistant professor of zoology at the University of California, Berkeley. During this period, the students and faculty at UC Berkeley were largely opposed to the ongoing Vietnam War, and Dawkins became involved in the anti-war demonstrations and activities.
He returned to the University of Oxford in 1970 as a lecturer. In 1990, he became a reader in zoology.
In 1995, he was appointed Simonyi Professor for the Public Understanding of Science at Oxford, a position that had been endowed by Charles Simonyi with the express intention that the holder "be expected to make important contributions to the public understanding of some scientific field", and that its first holder should be Richard Dawkins.
He held that professorship from 1995 until 2008.
Social Network
Richard Dawkins is an active figure on social media, especially Twitter, where he shares insights on science, philosophy, and sociopolitical matters. His social media influence extends to a substantial following, where he engages with supporters and critics alike, often sparking discussions around evolutionary science and secularism. His online presence allows him to reach a global audience, extending his influence well beyond traditional academia.
Dawkins disagrees with Stephen Jay Gould's principle of nonoverlapping magisteria (NOMA) and suggests that the existence of God should be treated as a scientific hypothesis like any other.
Dawkins became a prominent critic of religion and has stated his opposition to religion as twofold: religion is both a source of conflict and a justification for belief without evidence. He considers faith—belief that is not based on evidence—as "one of the world's great evils".
Education
Dawkins attended the University of Oxford, where he received his Bachelor’s degree in Zoology. He later earned a Doctorate in Philology, focusing on animal behavior and evolution. His educational background laid the foundation for his fascination with evolutionary biology and has shaped his career as one of the most influential scientists and communicators in the field.
Richard Dawkins (born 26 March 1941) is a British evolutionary biologist, zoologist, science communicator and author. He is an emeritus fellow of New College, Oxford, and was Professor for Public Understanding of Science at the University of Oxford from 1995 to 2008, and is on the advisory board of the University of Austin.
His book The Selfish Gene (1976) popularised the gene-centred view of evolution and coined the word meme. Dawkins has won several academic and writing awards.
