Hot Shots 2026: Robyn Gollifer

Robyn Gollifer’s natural affinity for the intersection between science and factual entertainment has contributed to programmes tackling subjects as diverse as snoring, maternity wards, sexuality and the sun.

But her proudest moment of her career to date is undoubtedly helping to deliver a rebooted Walking with Dinosaurs for a new generation.

BBC Studios Science Unit director of development Nicola Cook says Robyn’s commitment to putting a new spin on the beloved show was instrumental to the show’s success. “Her tenacious research secured access to some of the most spectacular dig sites in the world,” she notes – Montana, Utah, Portugal and Canada, the backbones of the series, all feature thanks to Robyn.

Her work on the series harks back to the start of her career, where she worked on short-form brand-supported videos, including her first foreign shoot: securing flights and accommodation for Visit Faroe Islands in exchange for social media content.

From there, Robyn landed a Creative Access placement with Caravan. She made her mark there when she stepped in for an unavailable producer to pitch, gain access and interview contributors including Paul Smith and Richard Rogers, write scripts, edit produce and oversee voiceover on two episodes on Japanese network NHK’s discussion series Direct Talk.

Following a stint as a development researcher at Firecracker, working across shows including Emma Willis: Delivering Babies, The Sex Clinic and Britain’s Biggest Snorers, Robyn’s been with the BBC Studios Science Unit for five years, gaining credits on shows fronted by Dara Ó Briain, Hannah Fry and the late Michael Moseley. Next up: a Netflix project, for which she secured secondary development funding.