Coral Nursery: Breakthrough of the Year 2024
We spoke to Prof. Apple Pui Yi Chui, also known as the “Coral Mum,” about her project Coral Nursery which won the Breakthrough of the Year 2024 in the category Science Engagement. She is a Research Assistant Professor at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, PEW Marine Fellow, National Geographic Explorer, and advisory board member of the Coral Restoration Consortium. Apple pitched Breaking the Wall to Engage Schools in Coral Restoration at the Falling Walls Science Summit Engage Pitches 2024 and is a member of the Engage Jury 2025.
What is your project about?
My programme transforms local schools into coral nurseries, enabling students to actively participate in culturing corals, which researchers later outplant to support local restoration efforts.
By maintaining coral tanks and monitoring coral growth and health, students forge a deep connection with the marine environment, enhancing their appreciation for nature and reinforcing their commitment to conservation.
The programme also includes eco-tours, aquarium visits, and community outreach activities. Our goal is to nurture future generations to become advocates for marine conservation, ensuring the sustainability of these vital habitats.
What is your project about?
My programme transforms local schools into coral nurseries, enabling students to actively participate in culturing corals, which researchers later outplant to support local restoration efforts.
By maintaining coral tanks and monitoring coral growth and health, students forge a deep connection with the marine environment, enhancing their appreciation for nature and reinforcing their commitment to conservation.
The programme also includes eco-tours, aquarium visits, and community outreach activities. Our goal is to nurture future generations to become advocates for marine conservation, ensuring the sustainability of these vital habitats.
Engaging students in coral restoration not only deepens their understanding of marine ecosystems but also empowers them to become passionate stewards of our environment. Together, we can make a meaningful impact in protecting our precious coral reefs for future generations.
What made you start this project and how did Falling Walls Engage, and its community, contribute to the further development of your project?
Coral reefs are experiencing a severe global decline due to climate change and human activities, making their protection crucial. In Hong Kong, Tolo Harbour and Channel once supported over 30 coral species, but urban development and pollution have significantly degraded these habitats. Despite improvements in water quality, natural recovery has been insufficient.
As a coral researcher born and raised in Hong Kong, I lead a team of 12 researchers to restore degraded coral habitats in Hong Kong. My lifelong mission is to leverage our research on coral breeding to enhance biodiversity and bolster reef resilience against climate change.
Recognizing the importance of science engagement, my goal is to initiate large-scale, scientifically robust initiatives to involve our local community in coral restoration efforts. One of our flagship programmes, the School Coral Nursery Programme, launched in 2020 in collaboration with the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department of the Hong Kong SAR Government, aims to raise awareness about coral conservation and foster stewardship among students and the broader community. It is the first and only initiative in Hong Kong that directly involves students in coral restoration.
Acknowledging the decisive role of the coming decade for the future of coral reefs, as emphasized by the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030), the programme seeks to educate students about the significance of coral reef ecosystems and the threats they face, particularly those related to climate change, and to encourage individual behavioural and lifestyle changes to protect the marine environment.
Being recognized as the Breakthrough of the Year in Science Engagement not only highlights the research impact in Hong Kong but also showcases the work being done by local universities to involve young generations in protecting our underwater treasures.
Prof. Apple Pui Yi Chui, Science Breakthrough of the Year 2024
Did you experience an increase in visibility of your project through the collaboration with Falling Walls Engage? How is this noticeable?
Locally, my work has been highlighted by Croucher News and through the press release of my university, The Chinese University of Hong Kong. The Falling Walls Science Breakthroughs of the Year Award is a prestigious international competition that recognizes individuals pioneering solutions to the world's most pressing challenges and creating breakthroughs across borders and disciplines. I am grateful for the opportunity to have spoken as a panelist on Earth Day and to serve as a judge at the upcoming Falling Walls Summit. Additionally, I am actively engaged with the Falling Walls community through an active WhatsApp group.
What makes Falling Walls Engage unique to you?
The Falling Walls Engage provides a unique global platform for me to share my vision with a broader audience and to gain support from like-minded individuals.
What was your most emotional experience when you think about your collaboration with Falling Walls Engage?
Presenting our work on a global stage and being recognized as the Breakthrough of the Year in Science Engagement is a significant affirmation of my team's efforts. It not only highlights the research impact in Hong Kong but also showcases the work being done by local universities to involve young generations in protecting our underwater treasures.
What are the next steps and aspirations for your project in 2025 and beyond?
In 2025 and beyond, I aim to continue expanding the School Coral Nursery Programme and explore the possibility of integrating it into the local school curriculum. I am also excited to announce that my team has secured funding for the “Coral Connects: Enhancing Ocean Literacy in Hong Kong through Multimedia Learning” project. This initiative will produce a series of interactive learning resources about corals, aimed at bridging the gap between scientists and the public.
Our goals are to increase public understanding and awareness of marine and coral conservation in Hong Kong, promote environmentally friendly lifestyles, and train teachers to further disseminate this crucial message. For instance, media such as VR360 videos will allow audiences to virtually explore Hong Kong's underwater world, making diving accessible to those unable to dive.
Animated infographics and live-action videos will highlight our current research and achievements, enhancing scientific communication and engagement by presenting intricate scientific ideas in an easily understandable format. With supplementary teaching materials and workshops for educators, the project also aims to enrich the learning experience and make learning more accessible and engaging for a broader audience.
