
Ocean science at the speed of light!
Welcome to Lightning Talks, conversations with brilliant scientific minds who want to share their knowledge with you. During a Lightning Talk, five speakers each have five minutes to dazzle the audience with their expertise about a certain subject. Virtual audience members have the chance to ask questions, so bring your curiosity!
Past topics include ocean technology, life on the frozen edge, deep sea creatures, kelp forests, orcas and more.
Lightning Talks are streamed online, with occasional in-person events held at the Seattle Aquarium.
Upcoming Lightning Talks

Lightning Talks: Spineless
Get to know the amazing world of invertebrates, aka animals without spines. They may not have backbones, but they’re anything but meek! This group of creatures includes anemones, corals, jellies, crabs, sea stars, octopuses and more.
Check out past seasons on our YouTube channel
Watch Season 1
Season 1 topics: Sharks; Octopuses; Otters; Orcas
Watch Season 2
Season 2 topics: Sharks; Creatures of the Deep; Birds; Kelp Forests
Watch Season 3
Season 3 topics: Life on the Frozen Edge; Myths and Misconceptions; Jellies; Snails
Watch Season 4
Season 4 topics: Ocean Tech; Cephalopods; Coral Triangle; Rays
Watch Season 5
Season 5 topics: Salmon; Ocean Ancients

Interested in speaking at a future Lightning Talks event? Please fill out our speaker interest form!