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Professor Apple Chui, Research Assistant Professor in the School of Life Sciences at The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), has been named the laureate of the prestigious Falling Walls Science Breakthrough Award in the Science Engagement category for her innovative project “Breaking the Wall to Engage Schools in Coral Restoration”. She presented the School Coral Nursery Education Programme (“the programme”) – the core element of her project – at the Falling Walls Science Summit in Berlin on 7 November 2024, where her project was selected from 130 applications across 60 countries and regions.

Coral reefs are facing a severe global decline due to climate change and human activities, making their protection a critical priority. In Hong Kong, Tolo Harbour and Channel, once home to over 30 coral species, have suffered significant degradation from urban development and pollution. Although water quality has improved, natural recovery efforts remain insufficient. To enhance biodiversity and bolster reef resilience against climate change, large-scale initiatives are essential for reversing ongoing coral reefs decline and promoting their recovery in Hong Kong.

Initiated by Professor Chui, the programme was co-launched in 2020 by CUHK’s School of Life Sciences and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department of the Hong Kong government, aiming to raise awareness of coral conservation and promote stewardship among students and the broader community. This initiative is the first and only one in Hong Kong that directly engages local primary and secondary schools in coral restoration efforts. Recognising that the coming decade is critical for coral reefs, as highlighted by the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-30), the programme educates students on the importance of coral reef ecosystems and the threats they face, particularly from climate change, while encouraging individual behavioural and lifestyle changes to protect the marine environment.

The programme transforms local schools into coral nurseries, where students actively engage in culturing corals. These corals are later transferred by researchers into the ocean to support restoration efforts. Since 2019, the programme has engaged over 1,000 students and teachers from 29 schools, successfully nurturing more than 500 corals back to Tolo Harbour and Channel. Through outreach campaigns led by students and teachers, the programme has disseminated conservation messages to more than 100,000 people in Hong Kong. By maintaining coral tanks and monitoring coral growth and health, students develop a deep connection with the marine environment, fostering a greater appreciation for nature and stronger commitment to conservation. The programme also features eco-tours, aquarium visits, and community outreach activities.

Professor Chui aspires to nurture future generations as advocates for marine conservation, ensuring the sustainability of these vital habitats. “Engaging students in coral restoration not only enhances their understanding of marine ecosystems but also fosters deep emotional connection between them and local corals, empowering students to become passionate stewards of our environment.” This recognition highlights the crucial role of science engagement in tackling environmental challenges.

The Falling Walls Foundation, a charity supported by the government of Germany and numerous acclaimed academic institutions, foundations, companies and NGOs, has been hosting the annual Falling Walls Science Summit since 2009. It serves as a leading international, interdisciplinary and intersectoral forum to foster scientific breakthroughs and dialogues. The Falling Walls Science Breakthrough of the Year Award is a world-renowned international competition that honours the people who are pioneering solutions to the world’s greatest challenges and creating breakthroughs across borders and disciplines. The University’s engagement with the Falling Walls Science Breakthrough Award is an important opportunity in promoting CUHK’s internationalisation efforts, reinforcing CUHK’s commitment to global excellence in research and education.