Fabienne Wiederkehr

Research area

Coral reefs are globally important and are amongst the most diverse and productive ecosystems. Sadly, they are facing significant threats, both from local and global sources, that are causing them to degrade and depauperate. In order to protect these ecosystems, we need to better understand the relationships between the different organisms that make up the coral-reef community—from the larger organisms like corals, macroalgae, and sponges down to the microorganisms that live within and around them.

My research focuses on studying the microbial communities that live within coral reefs. By investigating these communities across hosts, habitats, and time, I hope to uncover the important connections that exist within coral reefs and improve our understanding of how these ecosystems function as a whole. With this knowledge, we might abet conservation and restoration efforts to effectively protect these vital ecosystems and the services they provide for future generations.