Join Dr Vanessa Pirotta, author of the Humpback Highway, and explore the amazing world of whales whilst enjoying some delicious nibbles.

When: 10am to 11.30am, Saturday 29 June

Where: Marks Park , Waverley

What to bring: warm clothes, a picnic blanket and binoculars if you have them.

About Vanessa

Dr Vanessa Pirotta is a wildlife scientist, woman in STEMM/STEAM, science communicator, author and vessel operator.
She is a passionate and experienced science communicator who plays an important role in society by making science accessible. She’s represented Australia internationally as the international runner up of the world-renowned science communication competition FameLab, spoken on the TEDx platform, been recognized by the Australian Financial Review as one of the top 100 Women of Influence and listed as one of Science & Technology Australia’s Superstars of STEM.

She is the lead scientist of the scientific and citizen science program Wild Sydney Harbour, which is learning more about marine life in Sydney Harbour, Australia. As part of this, Vanessa is leading scientific research with local First Nations rangers, the Gamay Rangers. Together, they are combining First Nation Knowledge and scientific research to learn more about marine mammals such as whales, dolphins and fur seals

Vanessa’s research uses innovative technologies for wildlife conservation. Most notable works include drones to collect whale snot and the use of computer algorithms and AI for the detection of illegal wildlife trafficking.

Vanessa is also a proud children’s and big kids author, with her books The Voyage of Whale and Calf and Humpback Highway: Diving into the mysterious world of whales, serving as an annual reminder of humpback whale biology and ecology in Australian waters.

This event is brought to you by Waverley Council with support from the Waverley Action Group