Celebrating the Intertwining of Cultural Heritage and Marine Science at ANU

The High Commission of Malta and the Italian Embassy hosted an inspiring evening at the Australian National University, celebrating the connections between cultural heritage and marine science. The event brought together leading voices from both fields, highlighting the unexpected intersections that shape our collective future. The event was graced by the presence of His Excellency Mr Mario Farrugia Borg, adding a distinguished attendance to the occasion.

The event counted with a key presentation by Dr Vanessa Pirotta, who received the wildlife scientist award NSW Woman of Excellence 2025 and talked to us about her research and life history, sharing how her heritage shapes her scientific approach. Another of the evening's highlights was the round table discussion, of which our lab leader Assoc Prof Ana Sequeira was part, alongside Dr Vanessa Pirotta, Dr Katarzyna Kwapisz William, the Deputy Director at the ANU Centre for European Studies, and Prof Chennupati Jagadish, the President of the Australian Academy of Science. The round table discussion sparked conversations about collaboration in science including how it can be influenced by cultural heritage.

Throughout the discussions, Ana spoke about her engagement with the Malgana Peoples, the traditional owners of the Shark Bay, sharing how, through the developments of her GAT project, she was able to foster a deep and meaningful cross-cultural connection. Following Ana's insights, Prof Jagadish spoke about the collaborative practices at the Australian National University, highlighting how partnerships can drive impactful research. He spoke about the importance of collaboration and shared a thought that resonated with many — that everyone should pursue what they love, as passion is a key driver of success.

The evening concluded with a networking aperitivo hosted by the Italian Embassy, where guests continued to exchange ideas. This collaboration between Malta, Italy, and Australian National University was a wonderful opportunity to explore how science can bridge cultures and foster innovation.

We are truly grateful for the opportunity to be part of this meaningful event.