Dr. Austin Gallagher is a distinguished biologist, explorer, and entrepreneur, and is regarded as one of the most prolific and dynamic marine scientists of his generation. He is the Founder and CEO of Beneath The Waves, a globally activated research institute dedicated to launching and scaling innovative marine projects with applied outcomes.

Austin has 15 years of experience building, launching, and scaling global partnerships at the intersection of cutting-edge science and business. Austin has held leadership roles in over 50 scientific expeditions across six continents and has also spearheaded research initiatives in 18 countries. His work has focused on studying the behavior, health, and ecology of ocean giants such as sharks and great whales, to learn how their stunning adaptations can be used to address global challenges facing humanity.

Austin has authored 130+ refereed papers in leading scientific journals and has published three books. His work has discovered vast areas of ocean new to science, and has been credited with over a dozen firsts in the marine industry. In 2020, Dr. Gallagher partnered with tiger sharks to uncover the world’s largest seagrass ecosystem in The Bahamas, spanning over 50,000 square miles. This discovery, valued at over $100B, highlights the potential for hidden blue economies.

His research has informed major policy decisions that safeguard threatened species and establish marine protected areas. Regularly consulted by governments and international groups such as the United Nations, Austin has worked with over a dozen heads of state to influence and advance legislative efforts globally. Dr. Gallagher is a National Geographic Explorer, Fellow of The Explorer’s Club, and is an honorary adjunct professor at the University of Exeter (UK). His work has earned him numerous awards such as a Fulbright Distinguished Scholar, Forbes 30 Under 30, and The Blue Marine Foundation’s Science Award. He has forged partnerships with brands such as Bacardi, Rolex, Disney, and Live Nation.

A career-brand builder and entrepreneur, Gallagher has launched numerous successful ventures spanning consumer products, climate tech/finance, and bioscience. As a prominent media presenter and producer, Dr. Gallagher regularly features in television, streaming, and online media, notably as a fixture on Discovery Channel’s Shark Week. Dr. Gallagher earned his PhD from the University of Miami, holds an MS from Northeastern University and a Bachelor’s from Loyola University Maryland. His multifaceted career underscores a commitment to advancing marine conservation through innovative research, media, and entrepreneurship.