https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=avD8by1ile8

In collaboration with the British Council NI and the National Geographic Society, join us for a very special webinar with international explorer Dr Giovanni Chimienti where he will discuss his inspiring research and work in the front-line of marine research. Pupils will be able to ask direct questions and interact with Dr Chimienti throughout the session.  

This event is hosted by Theoretical Physicist, TV presenter, Science Communicator (and former professional footballer) Mark Langtry. Mark educates and entertains audiences of all ages through his RTÉ TV show 'Let's Find Out' and live shows at schools, festivals and events across the world.

About Dr Giovanni Chimienti

Giovanni Chimienti is a zoologist and marine biologist studying corals and deep-sea environments. A 2018 National Geographic Explorer, Chimienti is currently Researcher at the Department of Biology of the University of Bari, in Italy. Chimienti is also consultant for the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) concerning Mediterranean corals and deep-sea habitats, as well as member of the IUCN World Commission on Protected Areas.

His main scientific topics are cold-water corals, particularly in the Mediterranean Sea, where he is currently studying the effects of climate changes on marine communities. Chimienti is a professional scuba diver (up to 60 m depth) and he uses remotely operated vehicles and submersiblesto explore the depth of the ocean. He led the project for the exploration of the twilight zone of Tremiti Archipelago (funded by the National Geographic Society). In this occasion, Chimienti found an extensive black coral forest, that is now candidate to be under national protection. 

Chimienti has received several prestigious scientific awards for his studies, including from Accademia dei Lincei, the Italian Marine Biology Society, the Italian Zoological Union, the Mediterranean Science Commission, the Regional Activity Centre for Specially Protected Areas, the Deep-Sea Biology Society, the PES Foundation, and Prince Albert II of Monaco.

This event is supported by the Department of Education and  British Council Northern Ireland, and is part of British Council’s global programme #TheClimateConnection, taking place in the run up to COP26.