Dr. Robert Ballard: Ocean Sustainability
Ocean exploration and discovery keynote speaker Dr. Robert Ballard reveals groundbreaking insights into deep-sea science, innovation, and sustainability, inspiring audiences to explore, protect, and understand our planet’s most mysterious frontier.
Quick Facts:
- Highlights:
- Discoverer of the RMS Titanic, Bismarck, Yorktown, PT-109, and numerous historic shipwrecks
- Pioneer in the discovery of hydrothermal vents and chemosynthetic ecosystems
- Founder of the Ocean Exploration Trust and leader of the E/V Nautilus program
- National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence
- Formats: Ocean Exploration, Innovation, and Sustainability Keynote Speaker
- Audiences: STEM conferences, scientific institutions, environmental organizations, government agencies, corporate innovation teams, universities, and groups focused on exploration, sustainability, and the future of Earth’s oceans.
- Outcomes:
- Insight into the technologies, discoveries, and scientific breakthroughs shaping modern ocean exploration.
- A deeper understanding of Earth’s least-known ecosystems and their relevance to sustainability and planetary health.
- Inspiration to embrace curiosity, innovation, and stewardship in navigating the challenges of an evolving world.
- Travels from: Hartford, CT
- **Fee range: $20,001 - $35,000
Talent Services
Keynote Topics:
Adventures in Deep Sea Exploration
Living the Dream
Dr. Robert Ballard relates his experiences, successes and failures, in an energetic presentation that highlights career first such as the discovery of the RMS Titanic, WWII battleships such as the Yorktown and PT-109, and ancient Roman shipwreck in the Black Sea.
He focuses on the changes in technology from manned submersibles to underwater robotic vehicles, and he discusses educational opportunities for alternative education and after school programs via “telepresence” connecting students directly to the scientists on-board ship during expeditions.
Human History Under Water
From perfectly preserved wooden ships lying on the bottom of the Black Sea, to historically significant ships like the Titanic and PT-109, explorer Robert Ballard’s discoveries add to the knowledge of our past.
The Last Great Frontier
In this visually gripping presentation, explorer speaker Robert Ballard shares his passion for the last great uncharted territory.
Working closely with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Ballard uses cutting-edge science and technology to explore the ocean’s depths in order to better understand and preserve our waters for the generations that follow.
The Personal Account of How the Titanic Was Found
The Personal Account of How the Titanic Was Found and a Look into the Future
Dr. Robert Ballard shares his incredible story of the significant discovery of the Titanic, the advanced technology he used for this world famous expedition and what’s the future holds for deep sea exploration.
Talent Short Bio
Dr. Robert Ballard is one of the world’s most celebrated ocean explorers, renowned for his discovery of the RMS Titanic in 1985 and a long list of historic undersea finds that have captured global imagination. His expeditions include locating the German battleship Bismarck, the lost fleet of Guadalcanal, the aircraft carrier Yorktown, and John F. Kennedy’s PT-109.
Yet despite these celebrated achievements, Dr. Ballard believes his most important work lies beneath the Earth’s crust. His pioneering discoveries of deep-sea hydrothermal vents and black smokers in the late 1970s revealed ecosystems powered not by sunlight, but by chemosynthesis—reshaping scientific understanding of life on Earth and its origins.
Across a distinguished career spanning decades, Dr. Ballard has served as an oceanographer, scientist, educator, naval officer, and technological innovator. He spent 30 years at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, where he advanced telepresence exploration technologies to bring real-time deep-sea expeditions into classrooms worldwide.
He later founded the Ocean Exploration Trust and launched the E/V Nautilus program, enabling thousands of students and educators globally to participate virtually in undersea missions.
Read Full Bio
Best known for his 1985 discovery of the TITANIC, Dr. Robert Ballard has succeeded in tracking down numerous other significant shipwrecks, including the German battleship BISMARCK, the lost fleet of Guadalcanal, the U.S. aircraft carrier YORKTOWN (sunk in the World War II Battle of Midway), and John F. Kennedy’s boat, PT-109.
While those discoveries have captured the imagination of the public, Dr. Ballard believes his most important discoveries were of hydrothermal vents and “black smokers” in the Galapagos Rift and East Pacific Rise in 1977 and 1979 along with their exotic life forms living off the energy of the Earth through a process now called chemosynthesis.
In 2008, Dr. Robert Ballard founded the Ocean Exploration Trust and acquired his present ship of exploration, EV Nautilus, which will begin a voyage around the world in 2013 with his Corps of Exploration. In addition, Dr. Ballard is a National Geographic Society Explorer-In-Residence and a commissioner on the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy. He is also a Senior Scientist Emeritus in the Department of Applied Ocean Physics and Engineering at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.
Dr. Robert Ballard was born June 30, 1942, in Wichita, KS but moved to California at a very young age and grew up exploring the shore in San Diego. Dr. Ballard has a Ph.D. in marine geology and geophysics from the University of Rhode Island.
He spent 30 years at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, where he helped develop telecommunications technology to create “tele-presence” for his education initiative, which allows hundreds of thousands of schoolchildren to accompany him from afar on undersea explorations around the globe each year.
In 2001, Dr. Robert Ballard returned to the Graduate School of Oceanography at the University of Rhode Island where he is presently a tenured Professor of Oceanography and Director of the Center for Ocean Exploration and Archaeological Oceanography.
Dr. Ballard has 21 honorary degrees and six military awards. He was also a Commander in the U.S. Naval Reserve, serving in the Navy from 1967 to 1997. He received the National Geographic Society’s prestigious Hubbard Medal in 1996 for “extraordinary accomplishments in coaxing secrets from the world’s oceans and engaging students in the wonder of science
His discoveries also include sunken remains of ships along ancient trade routes in the Mediterranean Sea; two ancient Phoenician ships off Israel, the oldest shipwrecks ever found in deep water; and four 1,500-year-old wooden ships, one almost perfectly preserved in the Black Sea. Dr. Ballard’s Black Sea project seeks evidence of a great flood that may have struck the region thousands of years ago.
Dr. Robert Ballard has published numerous books, scientific papers, and a dozen articles in National Geographic magazine. He has also been featured in several National Geographic television programs, including the record-breaking “Secrets of the Titanic” and a more recent 5-part mini-series, “Alien Deep with Bob Ballard.” His 1997 best-selling book, Lost Liners, tells the story of the great transatlantic liners through memorable wrecks he has visited. Dr. Ballard was also a special advisor on Steven Spielberg’s futuristic Sea Quest, DSV television show.
An explorer, discoverer and historian, Robert Ballard’s fascinating journeys can teach us a great deal about our past, and they have encouraged others to take tremendous strides in the survey of the undiscovered mysteries of the deep sea.
Contact us at Speakers Inc and follow us on Twitter
Videos
Interest to Book? Send us your enquiry
No reviews available for this post.
Talent FAQ's
Do speakers charge a flat fee or by the hour?
Speaker fees can vary depending on factors such as expertise, demand, and event specifics. While some speakers may charge a flat fee for their services, others may have hourly rates. It’s best to discuss fee structures directly with the speaker or their representative to understand the pricing model.
What is the typical duration of a keynote speech and what is included?
Keynote speeches typically range from 30 to 90 minutes, with the duration determined by the speaker’s expertise, the event’s agenda, and audience preferences. Keynote speeches often include a combination of inspirational stories, practical insights, and actionable advice tailored to the event’s theme or objectives.
Does the scale of the event and audience size affect a speaker’s fee?
The scale of the event and audience size can indeed impact a speaker’s fee. Larger events with a broader reach or higher attendance may command higher fees due to increased exposure and demand. Conversely, smaller events or niche audiences may offer opportunities for more flexible pricing arrangements.
Travel expenses and other costs
Travel expenses such as transportation, accommodation, and meals are typically negotiated separately from the speaker’s fee. These costs vary depending on the speaker’s location, travel distance, and event duration. It’s important to clarify travel arrangements and expenses during the booking process to avoid misunderstandings.
Deposits and securing a booking
Many speakers require a deposit to secure a booking, with the remaining balance due closer to the event date. Deposits are often non-refundable and serve as a commitment from both parties. It’s advisable to discuss deposit requirements and payment terms with the speaker or their representative when finalizing the booking.
Additional tips and takeaways
- Virtual speaking appearances are a cost-effective alternative to high speaking fees, often 10-50% cheaper than in-person rates.
- There is typically no difference in fee for a 15-minute speech versus a 60-minute speech.
- Some motivational speakers are open to discounting their fee if hired for more than one event by the same organization.
- When browsing speakers, consider their location to keep travel costs down.
- Personal connections to your organization or event location can increase your chances of securing a renowned speaker.
- Be upfront about your needs and expectations to ensure a successful partnership.
- Speaker bureaus like Speakers Inc help guide you through the booking process to negotiate the best deal with favorable terms.
Ready to find the perfect speaker for your event? Use our advanced search feature or contact us to get started today!
You may be interested in...
- (37)
- Featured
Kanya Sesser is an internationally recognized para-athlete, groundbreaking model, actress, and motivational speaker whose life epitomizes resilience and determination. Born without legs and abandoned as a baby in Thailand, Kanya overcame immense challenges to become a global symbol of empowerment. Her motto, “No legs, no limits,” captures her journey of defying expectations and inspiring others […]
- Travels from: Los Angeles, CA
- Inspirational Speakers
- (62)
Chef Brooke Williamson is a culinary force to be reckoned with, known for her innovative approach to cooking and her unwavering commitment to excellence. With a career that spans over two decades, she has earned acclaim and respect from both her peers and food enthusiasts around the world. Her culinary journey took off when she […]
- Travels from: Kings Beach, CA
- Chefs Speakers
- (19)
Rebeca Hwang is a Professor of Practice at Thunderbird and the Senior Director for Thunderbird’s new Center for Global Entrepreneurship and Family Business. Ms. Hwang is also a Managing Partner at Kalei Ventures. Rebeca is a venture capital investor who has collected experiences as innovator and inventor, founder and entrepreneur, social entrepreneur, educator and ecosystem builder. […]
- Travels from: San Francisco, CA
- Artificial Intelligence
- (18)
With years of experience in media and broadcasting, Juliette Vara is a seasoned emcee who brings unparalleled expertise to every event she hosts. From intimate charity gatherings to massive corporate conferences, Juliette has captivated audiences of all sizes, ensuring each event is memorable, engaging, and seamlessly executed. Juliette Vara | Professional Emcee Juliette Vara’s journey […]
- Travels from: Nashville, TN
- Event Emcee
- (67)
Tyler Perry is a true renaissance figure in the world of entertainment, renowned for his unparalleled success as a director, playwright, screenwriter, producer, actor, author, and entrepreneur. The Birth of Madea and the Rise of the Chitlin’ Circuit In the early 1990s, Perry started his journey in the entertainment industry with a series of stage […]
- Travels from: Atlanta, GA
- Celebrity Speakers
- (21)
Mike Staver, CEO of The Staver Group, has earned a reputation as a bold, no-nonsense leadership coach who inspires change and growth in leaders across various industries. Often referred to as a “rebel with a cause,” Mike challenges leaders to confront their realities and face their fears head-on. He helps them take decisive action, enabling […]
- Travels from: Fountain Hills, AZ
- Leadership Speakers
- (56)
Chef Stephanie Izard is a culinary force to be reckoned with in the culinary world. With her innovative approach to cooking and an impressive list of accolades, she has earned a well-deserved reputation as a talented and influential chef. Her journey in the world of gastronomy has been marked by creativity, hard work, and a […]
- Travels from: Chicago, IL
- Chefs Speakers
- (27)
- (1)
Connor Fields is more than just an elite athlete—he’s a symbol of perseverance, precision, and peak performance under pressure. As a three-time Olympian, two-time World Champion, and the first American to ever win Olympic gold in BMX racing, Connor brings a compelling story of excellence and grit to stages worldwide. With a career that spans […]
- Travels from: Las Vegas, NV
- Summer Olympians
Disclaimer
These remain the property of its owner and are not affiliated with or endorsed by Speakers Inc.
Fee Range Information
All talent fees exclude VAT, travel and accommodation where required.
