Speaker Profile
Dr. Simon J Pierce is a world-leading marine biologist whose innovative approach to conservation has made significant strides in protecting whale sharks.
Notable Speaking Engagements
Simon has presented at prestigious venues, including Cambridge University and the London Natural History Museum, and has engaged audiences at corporate giants like Google HQ as part of their ‘Google Talks’ series, among others. He’s also presented on camera for National Geographic:
Professional Journey
Simon's career is a compelling narrative of building the Marine Megafauna Foundation from the ground up in Mozambique, with co-founder Dr Andrea Marshall. His story reflects a unique blend of entrepreneurial spirit, creative problem-solving, and resilience against adversity. His partnership with NASA to develop a groundbreaking whale shark identification algorithm exemplifies his innovative and cross-disciplinary approach to conservation.
Topics of Expertise
He specializes in marine conservation, technological innovations in wildlife research, and the entrepreneurial aspects of starting and growing a conservation organization.
Professional Biography
Dr. Simon J Pierce is a preeminent marine biologist and conservationist, specializing in the study and preservation of marine megafauna, particularly whale sharks. As the co-founder and Principal Scientist at the Marine Megafauna Foundation, he has led groundbreaking research and conservation initiatives worldwide.
Simon holds a PhD focusing on coastal stingrays from The University of Queensland, Australia, where he also earned a BSc (Hons, 1st Class). His academic background is further complemented by a BSc in Ecology from Victoria University of Wellington, New Zealand.
He pioneered innovative, non-invasive research techniques in marine biology, notably collaborating with NASA to develop an algorithm for identifying whale sharks. This technique has revolutionized how these creatures are studied and conserved globally.
Simon co-edited the definitive scientific textbook on whale sharks, ‘Whale Sharks: Biology, Ecology, and Conservation,’ a testament to his expertise and contribution to the field. His work has not only furthered scientific understanding but has also played a crucial role in influencing conservation policies worldwide.
Media and Publications
His pioneering work has been featured in major international media, and he has co-authored key publications in marine biology.
Availability
Dr. Pierce is available for both virtual and in-person engagements, appealing to corporate audiences, academic institutions, and conservation groups.
Enquire
Interested? I’d love to hear from you! My fee is available on enquiry and varies depending on event type and location.