Madeleine van Oppen

Madeleine van Oppen holds a halftime position as a Professor at the University of Melbourne (School of BioSciences) and a halftime role as Senior Principal Research Scientist at the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS). Her research focuses on microbial symbiosis in corals, climate change adaptation, and coral reef connectivity, with a growing emphasis on 'assisted evolution' to enhance coral resilience. She earned her PhD from the University of Groningen (Netherlands) and has been a member of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Integrated Coral Reef Studies at James Cook University (2006–2021). She contributes to initiatives like the Great Barrier Reef Foundation’s Solutions and Adaptations working group (2009–2011) and the ReFuGe2020 consortium (2012–present). As a Subject Editor for Molecular Ecology since 2010, she bridges research and publication in marine genomics.

Her academic career spans roles such as Adjunct Professorial Research Fellow and leadership in the 'A Healthy and Resilient GBR' program at AIMS. Her work integrates ecological, genetic, and evolutionary approaches to address climate challenges, emphasizing practical solutions for coral reef survival. Key collaborations include partnerships with the ARC Centre and international consortia focused on coral resilience.

Publications highlight her contributions to understanding coral symbiosis, heat tolerance mechanisms, and the socio-ecological impacts of climate change. Her research underscores the urgency of adaptive strategies in marine conservation, blending fundamental science with applied solutions.