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: Turtles
Kick off season six of Lightning Talks with a shellebration! Join us as we take on the topic of marine turtles. During this Lightning Talk, five speakers will have five minutes each to dazzle the audience with their knowledge of these riveting reptiles.
March 12, 2026
Whales
More information coming soon!
May 14, 2026
Corals
More information coming soon!
July 23, 2026
Bioluminescence
More information coming soon!
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; Spineless; Seahorses and Seadragons
Interested in speaking at a future Lightning Talks event? Please fill out our speaker interest form!
