Oceans Institute

When most of us look out at the ocean, we see a mostly flat blue surface stretching to the horizon. It’s easy to imagine the sea beneath as calm and largely static – a massive, still abyss far removed from everyday experience.

One of Australia’s leading cancer epidemiologists, a marine conservation expert, a global leader in regenerative medicine and Western Australia’s first dual-trained nuclear physician and breast radiologist, are among 21 staff and graduates recognised in this year’s Australia Day Honours.

An international team of scientists has developed ways to measure and compare the impact of “darkwaves” – when extreme weather events or human activities reduce underwater light for extended periods, affecting the stability of marine ecosystems.