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Australia is a maritime nation with more territory in the ocean than on land and an economy that relies heavily on its oceans through fisheries, oil and gas and tourism.

In a new lecture series ‘ Ocean Solutions for Humanity's Grand Challenges ‘, presented by the Institute of Advanced Studies and The UWA Oceans Institute, experts will explore ways in which safe and sustainable uses of our oceans can open a pathway of wealth and well-being through what is, in effect, our last frontier.

The first in the series of lectures will be given by WA Premiers Research Fellow Professor Shaun P. Collin, Winthrop Professor at The UWA Oceans Institute . His lecture ‘Light and the Sea: an ocean of opportunities to understand the eye and brain' will examine what constitutes an "eye" and the range of functions it has in image formation and setting circadian rhythms in animals that inhabit the ocean and compare these to the eyes of terrestrial animals, including humans.

His lecture will discuss how light is used for survival and how many of these models are informing us of new light detection mechanisms that can be useful for understanding not only the evolution of the eye but also how important it is in maintaining optimal human health.

Future lectures in the series include ‘The Role of the Ocean in Human Evolution, History and Future' by Professor Carlos M. Duarte, Director of The UWA Oceans Institute and ‘Energy from the Ocean in Western Australia' by Dr Scott Draper, Assistant Professor at The UWA Oceans Institute.

WHAT:  Public Lecture - ‘ Light and the Sea: an ocean of opportunities to understand the eye and brain '

WHEN:  6pm, Thursday 24 May 2012

Location:  Webb Lecture Theatre (G21), Ground Floor, Geography Building, UWA (parking - P18 and P19, entry via Fairway entrance No 1.)

Cost:  Free, no RSVP required.

Media references

Audrey Barton (UWA Institute of Advanced Studies)  (+61 8)  6488 4797