Advancing Marine Science Through Automation: Diego Gloria at the Walter Westman Lecture 2026

Earlier in March, Diego Gloria (GLOW, researcher) delivered a prestigious invited lecture as part of the Walter Westman Lecture on Science, Humanity, and Environment, hosted by the University of Sydney International House Alumni Association. Notably, he was the youngest speaker to be invited to this lecture series.

Diego’s presentation “Marine Science and Conservation using Automation” at the 2026 Walter Westman lecture

Diego Gloria (GLOW, researcher) notably the youngest speaker invited to Walter Westman lecture series

Diego’s work focuses on advancing how we monitor and understand coastal ecosystems at scale. In his lecture, Diego highlighted how GLOW is applying innovative survey techniques and automated technologies to address key challenges in marine science and conservation. By using tools such as sensors, cameras, and AI-based analysis, the project is able to process large volumes of ecological data—enabling more efficient and scalable monitoring of coastal ecosystems.

A key focus of the talk was GLOW’s emerging work on using fauna as indicators of mangrove ecosystem health. Monitoring animals such as crabs and fish provides important insights into ecosystem function, but has traditionally been labour-intensive and difficult to scale. Through automation and global collaboration, GLOW is developing new approaches that make this type of monitoring more feasible across regions.

More broadly, the lecture reflected on the growing role of technology in supporting marine conservation, while emphasising the importance of collaboration and interdisciplinary approaches to ensure these tools translate into meaningful outcomes for ecosystems and communities.

Watch the full lecture here:
Marine science and conservation using automation – Walter Westman Lecture 2026