Seals from Space - a lecture by Prem Gill
An exclusive event for RSB members exploring the cutting-edge methods being used to study Antarctic ice seals.

Details

When? Thursday 29 January 2026, 16:00 to 17:00
Members Only This is a members-only event
Where? Online (Zoom)
CPD Approved This event is approved for CPD

Exploring the cutting-edge methods being used to study Antarctic ice seals


Talk outline

Antarctic ice seals are fascinating creatures - they're long-lived, top predators and among the biggest eaters of Antarctic krill, and tracking their populations gives us valuable clues about the overall health of the Antarctic ecosystem. 

But here's the challenge: these seals live in the harsh, ever-changing sea ice zone, which is incredibly hard to survey using traditional methods (i.e. ships or planes). As a result, we still know surprisingly little about their numbers and habitat preferences. 

Prem's research explores an innovative approach: using very high-resolution (VHR) satellite imagery to study Antarctic ice seals and the sea ice they depend on. This cutting-edge method could transform how we monitor these elusive animals and understand their role in a rapidly changing environment. 

About our speaker

Prem Gill is a NERC / WWF funded PhD Candidate at the University of Cambridge, leading the "Seals from Space: the study of Antarctic pack-ice seals by remote sensing" priority project with the Scott Polar Research Institute (SPRI), British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and World Wildlife Fund (WWF). 

He has previously worked with the BBC Natural History Unit as a researcher on Frozen Planet II, and uses his research to spearhead projects that engage underrepresented groups within polar and conservation science, such as using Antarctic seal sounds to produce Grime music.

Chair

This webinar will be chaired by Lucy Eckersley MRSB, RSB Senior Events Officer and Wildlife presenter.

Who should attend?

This talk would be of interest to scientists, students, and those interested in future conservation solutions. 

Cost and booking

This event is free to attend and exclusively for RSB members (including paid membership applications awaiting election).

Special requirements

If you have accessibility requirements, please let us know during your booking using the additional information options, and we will do what we can to accommodate your needs.

Continuing Professional Development

This event is approved by the Royal Society of Biology for the purposes of CPD and can be counted as 3 CPD points.

Contact

For event, booking and website queries, please contact Lucy Eckersley at events@rsb.org.uk or on 020 3925 3445.

Code of Conduct

By its Royal Charter, the Royal Society of Biology (RSB) has the powers to promote, establish and support standards of professional skill and conduct. The RSB is committed to ensuring equal opportunities in the life sciences, and supports diversity throughout the pipeline. We proactively promote a culture of inclusivity within our discipline and the broader STEM community. It is vital at any RSB event or meeting, that everyone attending is free from any form of harassment or discrimination, feels comfortable and safe, and has the opportunity for an enjoyable experience.

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