Microbial manipulation may help safeguard the future of coral reefs

Coral reefs worldwide are rapidly disappearing, primarily due to climate warming and associated summer heatwaves causing coral bleaching (i.e., the loss of microalgal endosymbionts from the coral tissues) and mortality. While some level of climate adaptation has occurred in wild corals, there is grave concern that climate change is outpacing the rate of natural adaptation. The most recent global mass coral bleaching event (2023-2025) was the most extreme on record, resulting not only in extreme mortality of wild but also of replanted corals, highlighting thermal enhancement of corals is a critical component of reef restoration. In this seminar I will discuss our efforts to augment the thermal bleaching tolerance of corals via the manipulation of two groups of their microbial symbionts, the microalgal endosymbionts (dinoflagellates in the family Symbiodiniaceae) and bacteria. 

Madeleine van Oppen is a world-leading marine molecular ecologist recognised for pioneering the field of assisted evolution of corals, a transformative approach aimed at enhancing coral resilience to climate change-driven heatwaves and bleaching events. Her research focuses on microbial symbioses, coral adaptation, and reef restoration, with innovations in bioengineering techniques that accelerate coral acclimatisation and adaptation. Van Oppen's work has been pivotal in shaping global coral conservation efforts and is widely used by research institutions worldwide. Her research has led to over 290 peer-reviewed articles, books and book chapters.