Asha de Vos is a renowned marine biologist and inspirational public speaker, best known for pioneering research on the blue whales of the Indian Ocean. She is the founder of the Sri Lankan Blue Whale Project and a passionate advocate for ocean conservation. Asha’s engaging presence and unique insight into marine ecosystems have made her a highly sought-after speaker at global forums. Her work bridges the gap between science and society, empowering audiences to take action in protecting our planet’s oceans. As a Senior TED Fellow, she uses her platform to share compelling stories from the sea, captivating listeners with her deep knowledge and unwavering dedication.
From a young age, Asha was inspired by the natural world, often immersing herself in the pages of National Geographic brought home by her parents. This early fascination led to a dream of becoming an adventure scientist – a dream she has undoubtedly fulfilled. Her academic path took her from the University of St Andrews, where she earned a degree in marine and environmental biology, to a master’s at the University of Oxford, and later to the University of Western Australia, where she became the only Sri Lankan to hold a PhD in marine mammal research. Each step was driven by her desire to protect and understand the ocean’s most majestic creatures.
Following her studies, Asha embarked on a groundbreaking career in marine biology and conservation. She worked as the Senior Programme Officer for the International Union for Conservation of Nature and contributed to National Geographic as a guest blogger. In 2008, she founded the Sri Lankan Blue Whale Project, the first long-term research initiative focused on blue whales in the Indian Ocean. Her pioneering work influenced the International Whaling Commission and earned her recognition as a global leader in marine conservation. Over the years, she has received numerous accolades, including the President’s Award for Scientific Publications, the Global Teacher Prize in 2020, and selection as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. Recipient of the 2018 WINGS WorldQuest Women of Discovery Sea Award and the Golden Alumni Award at the 2018 British Council Golden Alumni Awards, Asha has also been recognised as part of the BBC 100 Women list. In 2020 she was awarded the Global Teacher Prize for the outstanding contributions she had made to conservation throughout her career.
Asha’s exceptional ability to connect science with storytelling makes her an inspiring and effective speaker. Whether addressing schoolchildren, policymakers or international audiences, she speaks with authority, warmth, and hope. As a TED Senior Fellow and award-winning conservationist, Asha is frequently hired to motivate, educate and ignite change - bringing her passion for the ocean to the global stage and encouraging others to protect the natural world.
