Emma Camp

Coral reefs support countless species and over 1 billion people, yet they are declining globally. My work focuses on understanding how some corals naturally survive extreme conditions and using that knowledge to innovate new restoration tools and strategies. This drive has led me to explore under-examined and extreme marine habitats, where I’ve discovered corals that thrive under conditions once thought uninhabitable. These discoveries have opened new research pathways into natural tolerance in the Anthropocene and, in partnership with the Indigenous rangers of Groote Island, even led to the identification of new coral species.

The impact of my work comes not just from scientific discovery, but from translating that knowledge into action. I’ve published more than 80 peer-reviewed papers and delivered hundreds of talks, helping expand our global understanding of coral resilience. My research has also contributed to international reports such as the 2024 State of the Reef report for the Great Barrier Reef. My team has also developed practical tools such as a high-throughput coral phenotyping system to help select target corals for restoration. And through mentoring more than 30 postgraduate students, I continue building capacity for the future.

One of the contributions I’m most proud of is co-founding and leading the Coral Nurture Program, a partnership between science, tourism and Traditional Owners that has resulted in over 120,000 corals planted on the Great Barrier Reef and earned both a 2023 Society for Ecological Restoration award and recognition from the United Nations Decade of Ecosystem Restoration. My hope is that through innovation, collaboration, exploration and community-led restoration, we can give reefs a fighting chance.

The most meaningful aspect of my work is seeing discovery translate into real impact for reefs and the communities who depend on them. Finding corals thriving in extreme environments—and understanding what makes them resilient—has offered new hope for reef futures. Equally meaningful is collaborating with Indigenous groups, tourism operators, and local stakeholders to co-develop restoration solutions that are practical, culturally grounded, and scalable. Watching the Coral Nurture Program grow from an idea into an internationally recognized model that is supporting reef resilience has been especially rewarding. Most of all, mentoring emerging scientists and knowing this work helps secure healthier reefs for my children and future generations gives my efforts their deepest purpose.