Skip to main content
✕

Subscribe to our newsletter!

Dive deeper into the world of underwater exploration. Join our newsletter for fresh stories, gear insights, and event updates.

Join Our Newsletter

Speakers 2026

At Diving Talks, we pride ourselves on offering a unique and innovative approach to curating our Speakers Panel. Unlike traditional selection processes, Diving Talks’ speakers are nominated by their peers, ensuring that the Diving Talks stage is graced by individuals who inspire and resonate within the diving community.

Curious who’s taking the stage at Diving Talks 2026? Dive in now and discover the incredible lineup of speakers who will inspire you in Lisbon!

Ab van Erkel

My name is Ab van Erkel, Dutchman by birth, married, father to a son and 67 years of age by the time that the Diving Talks 2026 will take place.
I have been working with and for BAUER Kompressoren GmbH since 1979.
First half of my career as salesman for two BAUER representations in the Netherlands, second half as international area sales manager directly for the Munich-based manufacturer.
Since 2023 I stepped down from my commercial role and became more of a consultant / trainer instead, based on long term product- and application knowledge.
My focus has always been on safety.
Safety as in correct application of high-pressure breathing air compressor installations.
Safety as in generating pure breathing air by means of excellent purification.
Safety as in being non-negotiable.
Very much looking forward to contribute to the Diving Talks 2026!

    Alison Teal

    Alison Teal is an award-winning filmmaker, explorer, author, water woman, and conservationist. Basing out of her hand-built treehouse in Hawaii, Alison travels the globe on a mission to educate, entertain, and protect the planet’s greatest treasure – our world waters.
    Her films, books, and social media campaigns have reached millions worldwide, sparking environmental change and influencing policy. Her latest book, Alison’s Adventures: Your Passport to the World, combines adventure with education, inspiring the next generation of explorers and world changers.
    A graduate Summa Cum Laude from the USC School of Cinematic Arts, Alison directs, produces, edits, and stars in her award-winning family-friendly film series Alison’s Adventures, blending humor, environmental advocacy, and inspiration. Her work has garnered international acclaim and earned her recognition as a leading voice in family entertainment.
    Alison has spoken at TED Talks, Parliament, and the World Economic Forum and serves as an international goodwill ambassador and Sports Diplomacy Envoy for the U.S. State Department. Through her storytelling and adventures, she continues to inspire global audiences to explore, dream, and protect our planet.
    Alison was home schooled around the world by her adventure photographer parents – on the back of a camel, on Mt. Everest, or on a dugout canoe in the exotic and dangerous places on earth – inspiring her love for adventure very early on!

    Andriana Fragola

    I am a shark biologist based in Hawaii, and have now worked with sharks full time for over 10 years. My work with sharks began with the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science where I worked with the Shark Research and Conservation laboratory to complete my Masters Degree in Marine Conservation Biology. There I was a student and field scientist where I tagged and collected samples from many shark species for multiple research projects and I myself focused on shark microbiology. I now majorly work as an expedition guide and photographer/ videographer to bring people the ability to encounter sharks as well as other marine predators under respectful conditions. I also spend a lot of time working around media awareness to educate people on shark safety and behavior as well as the broader issues going on in our oceans and what we can all do to help resolve them. I am excited to be a part of Diving Talks 2026, to nerd out about sharks, and to meet you all! See you soon!!

    Chad Cannon

    Composer-violinist Chad Cannon’s work can be heard in the Oscar-winning Netflix documentary American Factory, the BAFTA-winning PlayStation game Ghost of Tsushima (Iki Island Expansion / Ghost of Yotei: Legends), and the Peabody-winning HBO film Night is Not Eternal. He was nominated for a News and Documentary Emmy for his score for Exposing Muybridge, featuring actor Gary Oldman, and has received 7 International Film Music Critics Association (IFMCA) nominations, including for Harbor from the Holocaust – with special guest performer Yo-Yo Ma. Fluent in Japanese, Chad is the lead symphonic arranger for Joe Hisaishi’s film music concerts, which have been performed globally in sold-out venues such as Madison Square Garden and the Hollywood Bowl.
    Chad is passionate about ocean conservation, having created his new touring show, Music for the Ocean, which is a set of compositions paired with animations that together help audiences fall in love with the ocean and its amazing diversity of life. The concert has been raising funds for Tela Coral, which is fighting to protect some of the last healthy coral reefs in the Caribbean. He swims with the US Masters team at the Rose Bowl in Los Angeles, and is recently PADI-certified.

    Chiara Ferri

    Chiara Ferri, MD, is a physician specialized in Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine and a psychotherapist. She works as Medical Director at DAN Europe Foundation, where she provides medical support for diving emergencies and is involved in research and education on diver safety.
    Her work focuses also on the intersection between physical and psychological factors in diving, with particular attention to stress, anxiety, and risk perception underwater. She recently conducted an international survey on psychotropic medication use among divers, exploring its clinical and psychological implications.
    Alongside her medical activity, she completed her training in body-oriented psychotherapy, integrating this perspective into her approach to diving medicine.
    She regularly speaks at international events and workshops, bringing together clinical experience, research, and a practical understanding of diving.

    Cristian Pellegrini

    Cristian Pellegrini is Marketing & Communications Manager at DAN Europe and Editor of Alert Diver, the international magazine dedicated to diving safety, science, and exploration.
    His work bridges dive safety, accident prevention, diver education, and the communication of scientific research to the global diving community.
    A dive instructor, technical and CCR diver, and cave diver, Cristian combines hands-on experience with a passion for making complex topics accessible and engaging. Through his work with DAN, he collaborates with researchers, physicians, explorers, and industry leaders to help translate scientific evidence into practical knowledge that enables divers to make safer, better-informed decisions.

    Daan Verhoeven

    Daan Verhoeven (1974) has been freediving since 2004 and has chronicled the sport in images and film since 2012. His work has been published as widely as the NY Times and the Guardian to Das Bild and National Georgraphic, in books and articles, and he has filmed for TV, commercials and feature lengths documentaries, such as ‘The deepest breath’ on Netflix. He lives in Cornwall with his wife Georgina Miller, where they run their school and club Aquacity freediving. He has two dogs and in his spare time translates his father’s philosophical work.

    David Caldwell

    David Caldwell is a veteran dive industry professional, technical diving educator, and maritime leader with nearly four decades of experience in recreational, technical, and exploration diving. He is the co-founder of Northern Atlantic Dive Expeditions, Inc. (NADE), a company specializing in shipwreck exploration, technical diver training, and expedition leadership, and serves as co-captain of the dive charter vessel Gauntlet.
    As the Regional Manager for the Northeastern United States and Eastern Canada for NAUI Worldwide, David serves as a Course Director Trainer and Technical Examiner, mentoring dive professionals and advancing diver education throughout the region.
    An accomplished explorer, David has conducted cave, mine, and shipwreck dives globally. He has participated in and co-led several shipwreck discovery and identification projects, including the USS Nezinscot and Allentown, and has collaborated with NOAA on exploration and research initiatives within Stellwagen Bank National Marine Sanctuary.
    David is a Fellow of The Explorers Club, an Associate Member of Boston Sea Rovers, Assistant Harbormaster for the City of Beverly, Massachusetts, and serves on the Board of Directors of Salem Sound Coastwatch.

    Dorota Czerny

    Dorota Czerny serves as Executive Vice President of Global Underwater Explorers and is a member of its Board of Directors, focusing on organizational development, education strategy, and strengthening the instructor development pipeline. A dive educator with decades in the industry, she is also an Instructor Evaluator and has served as an Instructor Training Program Director, contributing to how GUE coaches, assesses, and develops divers over time.
    Beyond training, Dorota is involved with Phreatic Organization, supporting exploration and science-driven initiatives focused on groundwater resources and marine caves, with an emphasis on protection and conservation of these fragile environments. Her work consistently emphasizes performance that lasts—built on fundamentals, reflective practice, and learner ownership.

    Dubravka Vejnovic

    Dr. Dubravka Vejnović is a technical diver, diving instructor, forensic DNA scientist, and ethics expert for research and innovation from Serbia. She holds a Ph.D. in applied genetics and has over 15 years of experience working at the intersection of science, ethics, and EU-funded research projects, where she has contributed to and ethically evaluated and monitored hundreds of international research and innovation initiatives.
    Her diving specialty is CCR Trimix diving, with a strong passion for deep wreck and cave exploration. Dubravka began diving 15 years ago and gravitated toward technical diving from the very beginning, combining a scientific mindset with disciplined, high-risk environment training.
    She is the only female member of the Triton Technical Diving Team based in Belgrade and actively promotes safety, ethics, and evidence-based decision-making both underwater and in professional practice.
    In addition to her academic and diving work, she serves as a brand ambassador for DAN Europe, SANTI, TDI, and Poseidon SEE. She is also a proud mother, balancing demanding scientific and technical pursuits with real-world perspective.

    Edd Stockdale

    Edd Stockdale has for over a decade worked in dive safety and logistics management for remote research expeditions, specializing in advanced diving operations, especially in the area of deeper projects using rebreathers. In recent years this expertise has seen him running diving operations for global scale projects, collaborating with research institutions in applying these techniques and developing training programs in scientific diving fields including establishing the Finnish Scientific Diving Academy.
    As an avid underwater explorer Edd has contributed to a large number of articles, books and presentations on science and exploration into the underwater world. He is a member of the Finnish wreck exploration team Badewanne, Fellow of The Explorers Club and Ambassador for DAN Europe.

    Ercan Tutal

    Social entrepreneur and international expert in Disability Inclusion, Accessibility, and Design for All, with over 28 years of leadership experience in inclusive social innovation, youth empowerment, accessible tourism, arts inclusion, and community-based transformation.
    Founder of multiple pioneering initiatives in Turkey that have directly impacted over 10,000 persons with disabilities and mobilized more than 800 international volunteers. Recognized internationally for contributions to inclusive design, accessible environments, and social innovation.
    IAAP Professional Member, ASHOKA Fellow, and Global Ambassador of Design for All International.

    Faith Ortins

    Faith Ortins has dedicated her career to inspiring people to explore, understand, and protect the ocean. Her professional journey has spanned roles as a scientist, educator, dive retailer, charter operator, equipment manufacturer, and expedition leader, always with the goal of expanding access to the underwater world.
    A pioneer in cold-water diving, Faith helped transform the industry by redesigning equipment specifically for women. In partnership with DUI, she developed the first drysuits designed for women in 1994, later serving as the company’s Sales Manager and Vice President of Sales for more than two decades. During that time, she introduced innovative demonstration programs that allowed over 100,000 divers to safely experience drysuit diving, helping establish drysuits as standard equipment for recreational diving in colder waters.
    Today, as co-owner of Blue Green Expeditions, Faith leads expeditions to the world’s most remote marine environments, from the Arctic and Antarctica to all five oceans and seven continents. A passionate advocate for polar conservation, she has led 27 polar expeditions, including several historic firsts, while pioneering citizen science initiatives that unite scientists, divers, artists, and storytellers to advance marine research and inspire ocean stewardship.
    Faith was inducted into the Women Divers Hall of Fame in 2010.

    Gonçalo Silva

    Gonçalo Silva is a biologist, graduated at the University of Évora, did his PhD at the University of Algarve, currently is an invited Assistant Professor at Universidade Nova de Lisboa, researcher at MARE – Center for Marine and Environmental Sciences and is a founding member of the non-profit association MARDIVE (www.mardive.org). Over the last 20 years he has dedicated himself to studying the ecology, conservation and evolution of marine fish, in particular the effect of climate change and understanding the patterns and processes that occur in wild populations. His work contributed to conservation measures, namely the designation, implementation and monitoring of marine protected areas, as well as the management of species and habitats of conservation interest, such as seahorses. He seeks to communicate science, from the general public or young school-aged audiences, through lectures, media and opinion articles, and involving local communities.

    Heather Knowles

    Heather Knowles is a U.S.-based technical diver and explorer. Heather is a co-founder of Northern Atlantic Dive Expeditions, which is dedicated to shipwreck research, discovery and exploration in New England, as well as conservation of the ocean environment and our shipwrecks. Heather is a Fellow of the Explorers Club, Associate Member of the Boston Sea Rovers, former Chairperson of the Stellwagen Bank Sanctuary Advisory Council, a technical diving instructor through NAUI and co-captain of the dive vessel, Gauntlet. In addition to shipwreck discoveries in local waters, Heather has had the privilege of exploring and photographing some of the world’s notable shipwrecks, caves and mines around the world.

    Isabel Arango

    Hi I’m Isabel Arango, and I’m 17 years old. I live on an island called Bonaire known around the world as divers paradise where I was born and raised. My first contact with the ocean was just at 11 days old, a few years later when I was 8 I did my first official dive with my dad. After that diving became a passion for me and I continued diving and started learning more about this sport and how I could get better. While learning and taking different classes with different SCUBA agencies and instructors I realized how many possibilities this opened for me and how my diving carrier is just at its beginning. Now a few certificates later and over 120+ dives with unforgettable memories under and above the water I plan to continue diving and tell people about my story and my diving adventures, with the goal to inspire more kids like me to get into this sport and discover what’s possible.

    Jason Leggatt

    Jason Leggatt is the Chief Executive Officer of Shearwater Research Inc., a global leader in dive computers and underwater technology. Joining the company in January 2023 and appointed CEO in May 2023, Jason brings more than two decades of progressive experience in the marine and aviation safety manufacturing industry. His career spans engineering, R&D, business development, marketing, and senior leadership, including serving as President of Mustang Survival, part of the Wing Group.
    A mechanical engineer by training, Jason is passionate about engineered solutions and the way technology can enhance safety, comfort, and user experience. He thrives on challenge, never satisfied with “how we did it before,” and is known for turning complex inputs into visionary plans while inspiring high-performing teams and cultivating strategic partnerships.
    Outside the boardroom, Jason is an avid outdoorsman and water-sport enthusiast—scuba diving, boating, wakesurfing, surfing, or paddling, he simply loves being on the water. He believes that effective people and teams are purpose-driven, and he dedicates his leadership to activating full potential, fostering positive culture, and driving both individual and corporate growth.
    Jason lives in British Columbia with his wife, Jai, their three daughters, and two energetic Australian Labradoodles.

    Jialing Cai

    Jialing Cai, is an underwater photographer and science communicator from Chongqing, China. For the past eight years, she has been dedicated to documenting the smallest and most overlooked creatures that drift through the open ocean at night — plankton. Her work has been featured on National Geographic, BBC News, China Central Television. She won the prestigious award Ocean Photographer of the Year in 2023. She is also selected as this year’s NextGen Scholar of the Global Underwater Explorers.
    Until now, her work has focused on shallow tropical seas where the water is typically above 27 degree Celsius and within 30 meters of depth, but the ocean is vast, and my ambitions have begun to outgrow the limits of my diving techniques. Thus, through GUE’s rigorous training roadmap, she’s preparing to venture into colder, deeper waters to reveal the hidden worlds of plankton that few have ever witnessed.

    Jill Heinerth

    Jill Heinerth is renowned for pushing the boundaries of technical diving in some of the planet’s most extreme environments. From deep cave systems to becoming the first person to swim inside Antarctic icebergs, her work spans science, exploration, and storytelling. She collaborates globally with climatologists, archaeologists, biologists, and engineers to advance understanding of fragile aquatic environments.
    Jill’s media work includes television programs for CBC, BBC, and National Geographic, as well as consulting on major films with directors such as James Cameron. Her TED Talks have reached over 2.5 million viewers, inspiring audiences to engage with climate change, water advocacy, and exploration.
    Her contributions have earned fellowships in the International Scuba Diving Hall of Fame, Women Divers Hall of Fame, the Explorers Club, and other prestigious institutions. In Canada, she has received honors including the Governor General’s Polar Medal, the King Charles Coronation Medal and the Christopher Ondaatje Medal for Exploration. She is also the bestselling author of Into the Planet and The Aquanaut.
    Through her speaking, writing, photography, and films—including the 2025 documentary Diving Into The Darkness—Jill continues to inspire action toward protecting the world’s water resources..

    Jim Hansson

    Ever since I was a little boy, I’ve been fascinated by the underwater world. I remember the first time I saw Jacques Cousteau’s films in the 1970s. I was completely captivated by what I saw and began dreaming of one day being able to dive. In 1993, I got my first diving certificate. I was hooked from the very first dive. Since then, diving has been a huge part of my life. I’ve dived in many places around the world, but mainly in the Baltic Sea and Sweden. My great passion is, in fact, old historical shipwrecks. In the Baltic Sea, there are old wrecks preserved that you simply can’t see anywhere else in the world.
    For the past 20 years, I have been working as a marine archaeologist and have taken part in many surveys of a wide variety of wrecks. I have also been involved in discovering many new wrecks, which are often incredibly well-preserved.
    One of the most spectacular by far is the Vasa’s sister ship, the Äpplet, from 1628. We discovered the wreck recently in collaboration with the Swedish Navy, and it is a project that just keeps growing and growing thanks to all the new stories we uncover as we dive and investigate the wreck.
    I will be showing photos and footage and telling the story of Äpplet in Lisbon.
    Hope to see you there!

    Jorge Fontes

    Growing up on the small island of Faial, in the heart of the Atlantic, I didn’t just study the ocean—I lived it. My upbringing in the Azores shaped a lifelong passion for marine life, leading me on a journey from local artisanal fisheries to the cutting edge of global marine research.
    Today, as a researcher at the Okeanos Institute, I focus on the intersection of marine biology and technological innovation. My mission is to better understand the hidden lives of the ocean’s most iconic giants—sharks and mobula rays—without disrupting them. To achieve this, I have led the development of advanced, non-invasive “Pilot tags,” which act as miniature data-gathering laboratories, providing us with an unprecedented look into the secret behavior of deep-sea and open-ocean wanderers.
    From the Galápagos to the Philippines, I have helped explore the world’s most vital biodiversity hotspots. My work is not just about data; it is about bridging the gap between high-tech engineering, real-world conservation and ocean literacy. I am honored to share my experiences at Diving Talks 2026, where we will explore how innovation is helping us protect the charismatic species that make our blue planet so extraordinary.

    Kaila Krack

    Kaila Krack, 15, is the daughter of Kirk and Mandy-Rae Krack. Her father, Kirk, is a multi-disciplined diver, founder of Performance Freediving International (PFI), Human Performance Diver Lead at DEEP, and a performance advisor with the Liminal Collective. Her mother, Mandy-Rae Cruikshank Krack, is a seven-time world record–holding freediver, co-founder of PFI, and former PADI Course Director. Both appeared in the Academy Award–winning documentary The Cove. To say Kaila comes from a water-based family would be an understatement.
    Introduced to the water from birth, Kaila has traveled widely, freediving and scuba diving throughout the Caribbean, Hawaii, Indonesia, and the Mediterranean. She holds Advanced Open Water, Drysuit, and Computer Assisted Nitrox Diver certifications, along with PFI freediving credentials, and also competes with her local swim club. Recently, she completed her National Lifeguard and Swim Instructor certifications and plans to work as a lifeguard through high school.
    At age eight, Kaila joined her father on the set of Avatar: The Way of Water, training alongside the cast and preparing to double for actress Trinity Bliss (Tuk). This unique experience led to speaking opportunities, including presenting with her father to an audience of 1,200 at the 2024 Boston Sea Rovers conference.
    Kaila embraces her family’s ethos of giving back and sharing a love of the water. She plans to expand her training in recreational, freediving, and eventually technical diving, with the goal of becoming an instructor.
    Now entering Grade 10 in Campbell River, BC, Kaila is already planning her gap years between high school and college. She envisions working as a dive instructor on superyachts or contributing to volunteer research projects. In the meantime, she looks forward to summer internships with DEEP Research Inc., Scuba Diving International, and dive shops in the Cayman Islands and locally.

    Kirk Krack

    A multi-disciplined diver who started his professional diving career in 1988 in his home in Canada, by mid-90’s had specialized in mixed-gas technical diving working in 170m / 550ft range with his business in the Cayman Islands. January of 2000, he started Performance Freediving International (PFI) creating the world’s first complete instructional system eventually training seven athletes to 23 world records. Developing the ‘Advanced Freediving Research Program’ at Simon Fraser University and co-authoring several scientific papers, Kirk also developed the protocols of Technical Freediving, using differing oxygenated mixtures. Innovating, Kirk developed the first Breath-Hold Survival Program and eventually Breath-Hold Special Operations where he currently works with 9 different special operations groups from three different countries. In 2016 Kirk was awarded the DAN Rolex Diver of the Year for his focus of breath-hold safety
    Kirk is a ‘Performance Advisor’ with Liminal Collective, world leaders in the human performance space working with corporate and high performing teams and athletes. Eventually working within the documentary and movie industry, Kirk was part of the Academy Award Winning team for the documentary ‘The Cove’ and ‘Racing Extinction’ with the Oceanic Preservation Society (OPS). Training Tom Cruise and Rebecca Furgeson for ‘Mission Impossible: Rogue Nation’ and then Margot Robbie in ‘Suicide Squad’, Kirk was tasked by James Cameron to train the cast and crew for ‘Avatar: The Way of Water’.
    Now working with DEEP Research Inc based in the UK and US, Kirk is the Human Performance Diver Lead working towards develop a focus on the ‘multi-disciplined human performance diver’. Additionally, he supports business development and strategic relations.

    Laura Marroni

    Laura Marroni is a trailblazer in the world of diving. A seasoned technical diver and rebreather diver, Laura is the current CEO of DAN Europe (Divers Alert Network) — one of the world’s leading organizations in dive safety, research, and emergency response. With a background in environmental science and human factors, she has spent over two decades promoting safe diving practices and advocating for a more educated, aware, and connected global dive community.
    Laura’s passion for diving started early, evolving from recreational diving into deep and technical exploration. She has participated in numerous scientific and environmental diving missions, combining her technical skills with a mission-driven focus on sustainability and diver well-being.
    In recent years, Laura has played a pivotal role in reshaping the safety landscape of diving in Europe and beyond, pushing forward innovations in dive education, risk assessment, and the integration of wellness in dive culture. A frequent speaker at international conferences, Laura is known for her ability to deliver complex safety topics with clarity, empathy, and an eye on real-world solutions.

    Mandy-Rae Krack

    Mandy-Rae became a certified Scuba diver at the age of 15. After high school she decided to make diving her full-time passion and became a PADI Instructor. She managed a dive store for 9 years and then worked her way up to become a PADI Course Director.
    In 2000 Mandy-Rae was introduced to Freediving. It was an instant attraction. Within 18-months Mandy-Rae earned her first of seven World Records and thirteen Canadian National records. She was part of Team Canada for two first place and three third place finishes in AIDA International competitions.
    This sport has given her the chance to be part of some amazing projects. In 2006 she worked with New York Magician David Blaine on his ABC special Drowned Alive and then trained and assisted him in 2018 with a World Record Oxygen Breath-hold live on the Oprah show. She also had the great fortune of becoming part of the Black Ops team for the 2010 Academy Award winning documentary The Cove. She worked with Go Pro for the Hero3 camera launch and is in their Whale Fantasia video.
    Mandy-Rae was inducted into the Women Divers Hall of Fame in 2009 and has a permanent exhibit in the Ontario Science Centre. She has done speaking engagements and intro to Freediving seminars for the ROM, RedBull, WWE and many other organizations. For many years Mandy-Rae taught courses and managed Performance Freediving International alongside Kirk Krack.

    Paul Rose

    A man at the front line of exploration and one of the world’s most experienced science expedition leaders, Paul Rose helps scientists unlock and communicate global mysteries in the most remote and challenging regions of the planet.
    Paul is Head of Expeditions for National Geographic Pristine Seas, which has completed 51 expeditions all over the globe and helped to protect over 6.9 million square kilometers of ocean.
    The Royal Geographical Society has award Paul the Ness Award and the Founders Gold Medal.
    A broadcaster, published author and journalist, Paul has presented 22 BBC award winning television programmes on current affairs, science and the environment.
    He spent a decade as Base Commander of Rothera Research Station, Antarctica, for the British Antarctic Survey. For this he was awarded the Queen’s Polar Medal and for his Antarctic work with NASA, the US Polar Medal.
    He is a former vice president of the Royal Geographical Society, which awarded him its Founder’s Medal and Ness Award. He is an Honorary Doctor of Science at Plymouth University, and an Honorary Fellow at the University of Cumbria.
    A mountain has been named after him in Antarctica.

    Paulo Oliveira

    Paulo Oliveira was born in Madeira Island, Portugal, is 60 years old, is a biologist with a PhD in Biological Sciences from Metropolitan Manchester University. He has developed all his professional and academic activity in the area of marine and terrestrial nature conservation and biodiversity management. Currently, since 2008, is a member of the Board of Directors of IFCN, IP-RAM. He has worked transversally in operational areas, such as the recovery of species and habitats of small islands and the management and implementation of important Marine Protected Areas.
    Regarding the theme of these Diving Talks, it is important to mention his role as coordinator of the projects for the creation of two artificial reefs, used for recreational diving, on Madeira and Porto Santo Islands through the sinking of two large ships. It can also be pointed out his role as coordinator of the efforts that, in 2022, led to the creation of the largest No-take MPA in the North Atlantic, the Selvagens Islands Nature Reserve.

    Philipp Bannasch

    Philipp Bannasch practically grew up in the water. From a young age, he was an active member of a swimming club, and he first discovered the underwater world while learning to snorkel with his father. His early aquatic adventures even included practicing with a scuba cylinder in the local swimming pool. By the age of 11, his passion took the next step when he officially started scuba diving.
    Beyond the water, Philipp built an academic foundation by studying Mathematics and Physics. This analytical background paved the way for his successful career in advanced technology. After working some time for Universities, he joined EvoLogics. For approximately 13 years, he has been developing into a key figure, where he currently heads the Artificial Intelligence department.
    At EvoLogics, Philipp has found the perfect way to merge his lifelong passion for diving with his professional expertise. He regularly conducts test dives for the company, heading underwater to evaluate and refine their newest equipment. Thus he regulary trains together with Special Forces, Police- and EOD-Divers.

      Robin Cuesta

      Robin Cuesta is a cave diver, explorer, and cave diving instructor based in Indonesia, where he leads expeditions into submerged caves and hidden karst systems across remote islands. As founder of Sulawesi Dive Trek, the first cave diving center in Indonesia, he combines exploration with teaching, helping divers build the skills needed to safely enter some of the most demanding underwater environments.
      At the same time, Robin is undertaking a PhD In Gadjah Mada University in Indonesia, that connects cave diving with science, focusing on karst systems, groundwater, freshwater security and the hidden processes shaping underwater cave environments. His approach brings together adventure, technical expertise, and scientific studies.
      In October 2026, he will join the diving talks to share stories from cave exploration in Indonesia and the growing role of cave diving in science.

      Rudolf Bannasch

      As a marine biologist, Rudolf conducted five Antarctic expeditions, earning his PhD on the “underwater flight” of penguins. Translating nature into technology, he engineered artificial penguin autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs). Later, a family dive with manta rays inspired him to build hydro-elastic, 3D-flexible Bionic Manta Ray AUVs.
      Studying dolphin biosonar yielded his most critical breakthrough: Sweep Spread Carrier (S2C) technology. This invention revolutionized underwater acoustic communication, enabling remote control and complex networking for divers, buoys, and robot swarms in harsh marine environments.
      Rudolf founded EvoLogics to commercialize these bionic solutions. The company rapidly grew into a leading provider of intelligent ecosystems for subsea research, environmental monitoring, and underwater infrastructure protection.
      Though he passed business operations to his sons in 2021, Rudolf continues to drive the field forward, returning to his roots to focus entirely on bionic research for the next generation of subsea applications.

      Sami Paakkarinen

      Sami Paakkarinen is a Finnish technical and cave diving educator, instructor trainer, and expedition leader. Alongside teaching advanced diving, he works in maritime search and rescue as a Finnish Coast Guard officer and rescue diver, specializing in demanding underwater operations and the development of SAR diving methods. He has been diving since 1995 and has trained divers for more than two decades. His experience includes deep wreck and cave expeditions as well as complex underwater search and recovery missions in Finland and internationally.

      Simon Caruana

      Dr. Simon Caruana is an experienced academic and tourism education leader with a career spanning over three decades in education, information technology, and tourism development. He holds a PhD from the University of Leeds.
      Since 2025, Dr. Caruana has served as Director of the Centre of Contemporary Tourism and Research at the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS), Malta. He is responsible for overseeing e-learning policies, coordinating research activities, and fostering collaborations with local and international stakeholders.
      One of his most significant contributions is the development of specialized programmes related to diving tourism management and underwater operations. As Director of the Centre of Contemporary Tourism, he oversees the academic development of the International School of Dive Safety Medicine (ISDSM), established through a partnership between ITS and DAN Europe. This includes higher education programmes focused on the management, safety, and sustainability of diving tourism. One example is the Bachelor of Science in Diving Safety Management.
      He is an active member of the E-assessment Association, IACUDIT, and PADI, reflecting his commitment to innovation, cultural tourism, and marine environments..

      Sofia Sokolowski

      My name is Sofia Sokolowski-Wojnicki and I will graduate medical school in April. Additionally, I am working on my PhD thesis in diving and hyperbaric medicine. My PhD is on oxygen toxicity and adaptation to diving stress. I’m focusing on closed circuit rebreather (CCR) divers, and the data collection was on a scientific expedition. Furthermore, our local research group in Finland has been focusing the effects of cold diving on human physiology for the past few years yielding two doctoral dissertations!
      Besides being a medical researcher, I am, naturally, also a diver. I have participated in our local diving club’s activities ever since I can remember. I remember waiting anxiously to finally turn 12 and be able to get my junior scuba certificate. Most of my diving has been in Finland, either in freshwater lakes and quarries or in the Baltic Sea. I certainly identify as a cold-water diver, although I don’t mind an occasional trip in the beautiful and warm tropics. Through diving medicine research, I have been able to combine my two passions, diving and medicine, and for that I am grateful.

      Speakers’ selection

      At Diving Talks, we pride ourselves on offering a unique and innovative approach to curating our Speakers Panel. Unlike traditional selection processes, Diving Talks’ speakers are nominated by their peers, ensuring that the Diving Talks stage is graced by individuals who inspire and resonate within the diving community.

      1. Peer Nominations

      Each year, the speakers who take the stage at Diving Talks are given the opportunity to nominate others for the following edition.

      The organization poses a single, straightforward question to our speakers: “Who is the speaker you want to see on the Diving Talks stage next year, someone whose presence would be a compelling enough reason for you to attend the show?”

      2. A Community-Driven Process

      By empowering our speakers to nominate others, we ensure that the Diving Talks Speakers Panel reflects the community’s interests, values, and evolving trends.

      The process fosters a cycle of mutual respect and admiration, creating a vibrant and dynamic platform for exchanging knowledge and stories.

      Through this peer-driven process, Diving Talks continues to deliver an unparalleled experience, bringing together the most exciting and influential voices in the diving world, year after year.

      Join Our Newsletter

      Lightning Talks

      Have you achieved something remarkable underwater? Do you hold a dive under your belt, worth sharing with the diving community? Would you like to share it in the Talks?

      Diving Talks introduced the Lightning Talks in 2024 – Phil Short and Gareth Lock were the volunteers – a dynamic new format where speakers have just 4 minutes to deliver a powerful, focused presentation on their chosen topic. Designed to captivate, these concise talks challenge speakers to make every second count, delivering impactful insights in a brief, engaging format.

      Reach out to the DIVING talks Organizing Committee and explain why there should be a Lightning Talk with your name in it.

      To apply for a Lightning Talk slot at the 2025 edition of Diving Talks, applicants must comply with the following regulations:

      1. Presentation Time Limit

      • Each Lightning Talk will have a strict time limit of 4 minutes.
      • Sound and image will automatically shut off at the 4.00-minute mark, regardless of the presentation’s status.

      2. Eligibility Criteria

      • Only registered attendants of the event are eligible to apply.
      • A valid ticket must be purchased prior to submitting the application.

      3. Submission Deadline

      • The complete presentation (slides, video, or any other required materials) must be submitted to the event organizers no later than two weeks prior to October 17, 2025.
      • Late submissions will not be accepted under any circumstances.

      4. Review and Decision Process

      • All applications will be reviewed by the Diving Talks organization team.
      • The organization’s decision to accept or refuse an application is final and non-negotiable.

      By applying, you agree to abide by these rules. Failure to comply with any of the above may result in disqualification from the Lightning Talk session.

      Submit