Biography

Robert D. Ballard, Ph.D.is Founder and President of the Ocean Exploration Trust, and Professor of Oceanography at the University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography. He is an Explorer-At-Large at the National Geographic Society, Commissioner for the U.S. Commission on Ocean Policy, and a Research Scholar at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution. He served in the U.S. Navy for more than 30 years and continues to work with the Office of Naval Research.

A pioneer in the development of deep-sea submersibles and remotely operated vehicle systems, Robert has taken part in more than 155 deep-sea expeditions. In 1985, he discovered the RMS Titanic, and has succeeded in tracking down numerous other significant shipwrecks, including the German battleship Bismarck, the lost fleet of Guadalcanal, the U.S. aircraft carrier Yorktown, and John F. Kennedy’s boat, PT-109. He has also discovered hydrothermal vents and “black smokers” in the Galapagos Rift and East Pacific Rise in 1977 and 1979.

The author of numerous books, scientific papers, and articles, he has been featured in several National Geographic television programs, including “Secrets of the Titanic” a five-part mini-series, “Alien Deep with Bob Ballard.” and, in 2019, “Expedition Amelia.”  He was a special advisor to Steve Spielberg on the futuristic television show seaQuest DSV.

His honors include 22 Honorary Doctorates, National Geographic’s highest award, the Hubbard Medal, and a National Endowment for the Humanities Medal. He was elected a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences in 2014.

Dr. Ballard’s autobiography, Into the Deep, will be released Father’s Day 2021 and a National Geographic television special, “Bob Ballard: An Explorer’s Life” will air June 14, 2021.

An explorer, discoverer, and historian, Dr. Ballard’s fascinating journeys can teach us a great deal about our past, and they have encouraged others to take tremendous strides in the survey of the undiscovered mysteries of the deep sea.

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Living the Dream

Dr. Ballard speaks about how he has turned his dreams into reality by taking risks and learning how to face failure and turn it into success.

The Personal Account of How the Titanic Was Found, and a Look into the Future

Dr. Ballard shares his incredible story of the significant discovery of the Titanic, the advanced technology he used for this world famous expedition, and what’s ahead for the future in deep sea exploration.

Deep Sea Exploration

Dr. Ballard shares his conclusions of his numerous expeditions to search for, locate and document sites of historical significance and the emerging science of deep water archeology.

Booksby Robert Ballard

Finding the Titanic

The Lost Ships of Robert Ballard

Adventures in Ocean Exploration

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