Join Reef Check Australia and friends at The Bearded Lady for an evening of discovery, inspiration and appreciation of our local marine, coastal and catchment environments. Each month we have a new, interesting and engaging speaker.

This month, we'll hear from Dr Julie Vercelloni from the University of Queensland - UQ Global Change Institute

Researchers now have a new device in their scientific toolbox: virtual reality. Bringing (virtual) coral reefs to a large number of people allows to get new types of information and better understand what is making the reefs so beautiful. As part of the World Heritage Convention, Australia is required to report to UNESCO on Great Barrier Reef aesthetics, as well as traditional health status. However, beauty is intangible and not well monitored so far.

Find out more about this exciting experiment that used emotional perception of citizen scientists, scuba-divers and reef scientists to find features of the beauty of the Reef and how mixing virtual reality and citizen science will contribute to protect our World Heritage Area in the most modern way. 

6pm: Bar opens
6:30: Grab a seat (they go fast!)
6:45: Talk kicks-off
7:30: Pizza & good sea-minded conversation!

Entry is $2 (which gets you pizza at the end).

As the venue is a bar, Under 18's are welcome but must be accompanied by an adult. A 5 year gap is necessary, ie. 17-yr-old can not be accompanied by a 18-yr-old.

This initiative is hosted by Reef Check Australia, and proudly supported by Queensland Government Community Sustainability Action Grants,and Layne Beachley Foundation, with amazing in-kind support from The Bearded Lady.

RSVP on the Facebook event page here!