There are approximately 6,500 known mammal species and around 20 new species are discovered every year. Mammalogist Dr Tyrone Lavery worked with local people to document a new species of giant rat in the Solomon Islands. With detective work, persistence and luck, they finally found what they were searching for.

The Science Festival Mid-afternoon Masterclass series is a series of five, 45-minute lectures showcasing up-and-coming scientists and their groundbreaking discoveries. The Masterclasses are online, and will include interactive scientific explanations, experiments, live demonstrations, virtual lab tours, and lots of fun!

Each unique masterclass has been designed to be accessible and appealing to all audiences and is suitable for anyone with a high school scientific understanding. Get your questions ready as our scientists would love the audience to join in the live Q&A and become a part of the presentation.

Dr Tyrone Lavery studies rare and unique mammals in Australia and the South-west Pacific. As well as searching for new, undescribed species, he seeks to understand how different species are related, where they occur, and how we can best look after them.