As a child, Vanessa Pirotta found inspiration in figures like David Attenborough, at a time when there were few visible role models who reflected her background. That experience shaped her commitment to visibility in science today, particularly for women and people from diverse communities. She sees representation as essential to helping young people imagine themselves as scientists.

Whales sit at the centre of Vanessa’s research because of their critical role in ocean ecosystems. Through feeding and migration, whales fertilise the ocean and support marine food webs. They also store large amounts of carbon in their bodies, contributing to climate regulation, and even in death they sustain deep-sea life through whale falls that nourish entire ecosystems.

A key focus of Vanessa’s work is understanding whale health without causing harm. She pioneered the use of drones to collect whale snot, a non-invasive method that provides valuable information about bacteria, viruses, and overall health. These samples offer a snapshot of population health over time and demonstrate how technology can reshape marine research.

During her PhD, Vanessa helped develop world-first drone designs, including a flip petri dish system that reduced contamination during sampling. This work led to the first successful collection of whale and dolphin viral samples using drones, and the methods she helped establish are now influencing research efforts around the world.

More Information

https://www.vanessapirotta.com

https://www.wildsydneyharbour.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEN8pxOh0fU

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