Coral nutrition expert named a leading woman in science

Dr Matthews' research has helped reveal how disruption to coral metabolism and nutrient exchange contributes to bleaching, advancing understanding of the biological processes connecting environmental stress with coral decline.

It has also delivered practical innovations, including a nutrient-rich “baby food” for young corals.

While pregnant with her first daughter, Cora, Dr Matthews began considering whether coral babies, like human babies, could benefit from better nutrition during their most vulnerable stages.

That perspective helped inspire a new application of her established research into coral nutrition.

The resulting supplement has been shown to double survival through early life stages, including under heat stress, and is being developed with partners for use in reef restoration.

“As any parent knows, producing babies is just the beginning – then comes the challenge of keeping them fed and helping them thrive,” Dr Matthews said. 

“It’s much the same for baby corals. Giving them the right nutrients could help more survive those vulnerable early stages and give reef restoration a stronger start.”

Dr Matthews also leads the collaborative Sydney Coral Project, investigating the distribution, health and environmental tolerances of corals living in Sydney’s temperate waters. 

The program is examining how local conditions influence their persistence as marine ecosystems change.

For Dr Matthews, a mother of two young daughters, the work carries a strong personal motivation.

“I want my daughters to grow up in a world where thriving coral reefs are something they can experience for themselves,” she said.

“Decisive action on climate change is essential to the future of coral reefs.

"Alongside that, we urgently need to deepen our understanding of coral biology and turn those discoveries into practical ways to protect and restore reefs,” Dr Matthews said.

The fellowship also offers an opportunity to make women’s contributions to science more visible.

“I hope young people, including my daughters, can see that science is somewhere they belong - and that their ideas can help shape the future.”

Dr Matthews’ previous recognition includes a number of major awards including a NSW Premier’s Prize for Science and Engineering and a Young Tall Poppy Science Award.

She has also been a finalist in the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes and the NSW Australian of the Year awards.