She was educated at Street Swithun"s School, Winchester, an independent girls" school. She studied Zoology at Bedford College (London) graduating with a Bachelor of Science in 1978, majoring in immunology and genetics which she took at University College, London.
She is most well known for presenting British Broadcasting Corporation television science programme Tomorrow"s World and Panorama. She is also a regular contributor to The Guardian newspaper"s online presence. Her first job was as National Organiser of the mother and baby charity Birthright, the appeal arm of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists from 1979-1994.
She worked closely with the charity"s Patron, His Royal Highness The Princess of Wales for 12 years.
She was briefly a Trustee of the Princess of Wales Memorial Fund. Vivienne has presented a number of science-based radio shows, including most notably all eight series of Am I normal? and Inside the Ethics Committee.
She also presents and writes many other radio programs, including programs for the British Broadcasting Corporation World Service and British Broadcasting Corporation 3.
She is Vice Chairman of Council of University College London and a member of Council of the Medical Research Council since 2009.
