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.