Feb 2025
Abstract:
The ocean is home
to some of the largest animals to ever roam Earth, species that have
developed remarkable adaptations over millions of years to thrive in
some of the most challenging environments on the planet. In this talk,
Dr. Gallagher will share groundbreaking new insights from his projects
around the world, where new collaborations with these ocean
giants—sharks, whales, and deep-sea species—are revealing unexpected
solutions to some of humanity’s most pressing global challenges. From
tracking the migrations of tiger sharks, to decoding the languages of
killer whales, to scanning the resilience of giant isopods, today we are
uncovering powerful new connections between marine ecosystems and
issues such as human health, climate change, and biodiversity loss. By
understanding and learning from these ancient survivors, we can unlock
new strategies to tackle terrestrial challenges—enhancing disease
resistance, understanding global change, restoring ecosystems, and
providing key climate solutions. This exciting talk will explore how the
survival of these ocean giants is not only crucial for maintaining the
health of our oceans, but also offers transformative potential for the
future of humanity, inspiring hope and actionable pathways forward in an
era of unprecedented environmental and social change.
Bio:
Dr.
Austin Gallagher is a distinguished biologist, explorer, and
entrepreneur. He is the Founder and CEO of Beneath The Waves, a globally
activated marine research institute dedicated to launching and scaling
innovative projects with applied outcomes.
Dr. Gallagher has 15 years
of experience building, launching, and scaling global projects, and he
has held leadership roles in over 60 scientific expeditions across 20
countries. He is globally recognized for his expertise on the behavior
and ecology of ocean giants such as sharks and great whales, but also
possesses broad expertise in other areas such as animal physiology,
molecular approaches, coastal ecology and biochemistry, and
socioeconomics.
Austin has authored over 130 refereed papers in
leading scientific journals and has published three books. His work has
discovered vast areas of ocean new to science, and his research has
informed major policy decisions that safeguard threatened species and
establish marine protected areas. In 2020, Dr. Gallagher partnered with
tiger sharks to uncover the world’s largest seagrass ecosystem in The
Bahamas, spanning over 50,000 square miles, highlighting new areas of
the blue economy. Regularly consulted by governments and international
groups such as the United Nations, Austin has worked with over a dozen
heads of state to influence and advance legislative efforts regionally
and globally.
Dr. Gallagher is a National Geographic Explorer,
Fellow of The Explorer’s Club, and is an honorary adjunct professor at
the University of Exeter (UK). His work has earned him numerous awards
such as a Fulbright Distinguished Scholar, Forbes 30 Under 30, and The
Blue Marine Foundation’s Science Award. A career-brand builder and
entrepreneur, Gallagher has launched numerous successful science-related
ventures, and he is a prominent media presenter and producer for
television, streaming, and online media, notably as a fixture on
Discovery Channel’s Shark Week. Dr. Gallagher earned his PhD from the
University of Miami, holds an MS from Northeastern University and a
Bachelor’s from Loyola University Maryland. His multifaceted career
underscores a commitment to advancing marine conservation through
innovative research, media, and entrepreneurship.