Professor Raquel Peixoto is a pioneering researcher who is playing a central role in establishing the field of coral probiotics, a transformative and rapidly growing area of study that has catalyzed broader research into probiotics for wildlife. Her groundbreaking experiments proved the concept and demonstrated that probiotics not only mitigate coral bleaching but also prevent coral mortality, establishing a solid foundation for their application in coral reef conservation and restoration efforts. Her work emphasizes the practical application and real-world impact of science, bridging the gap between research and action through innovative solutions for environmental challenges.  

 

She currently serves as Chair of the Marine Science Program at KAUST, President of the International Society for Microbial Ecology (ISME), and Co-Chair of the Conservation Committee at the International Coral Reef Society (ICRS), where she also leads the International Coral Reef Society’s (ICRS) climate delegations to the UN COP conferences. She is also the co-chair and one of the founders of the Microbial Conservation Specialist Group SSC of the IUCN In addition to these leadership roles, she is a member of prominent scientific advisory boards. Through initiatives such as the Coral Probiotics Village, the development of scalable probiotic delivery systems, and groundbreaking field trials, her work has set a benchmark for the translation of microbial research into actionable solutions, influencing global policies and strategies for climate change resilience and biodiversity conservation.