Reef researcher Dr Gemma Galbraith receives prestigious award to travel overseas

Fascinated by the mysteries of the deep, a James Cook University researcher has received recognition for her work with underwater robots. Read how they are helping.

Dr Gemma Galbraith has been recognised for her work with marine robotics to further knowledge of Australia’s deep coral reefs. Picture: Supplied.

A Townsville researcher who has embraced underwater robot technologies to help study deep coral reefs and their unique biodiversity, will be able to travel overseas to expand her knowledge after securing a prestigious award.

A marine ecologist at James Cook University, Dr Gemma Galbraith was one of 103 of Australia’s most passionate and determined individuals announced on Friday as recipients of Churchill Fellowships.

Since 1965, the Winston Churchill Memorial Trust has rewarded individuals who possess passion and a commitment to make a difference in society by providing an opportunity to travel overseas to conduct research in their chosen field.

With research interests spanning the fundamental ecology of coral reef organisms, marine biogeography and conservation biology, postdoctoral researcher Dr Galbraith has been involved in the ecological monitoring of two of Australia’s largest marine parks – the Coral Sea Marine Park and the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park – since 2021.

She has spent many hours underwater conducting detailed surveys of reef fishes and benthic habitats on shallow coral reefs but has always been fascinated by what else lies below the depths accessible to scientific scuba divers.

Postdoctoral researcher Dr Gemma Galbraith has been awarded a Churchill Fellowship for her work to further knowledge of Australia’s deep coral reefs. Picture: Supplied.

Motivated by global progress in deep-sea research, which often faces challenging restrictions due large financial costs associated with deep-sea exploration, Dr Galbraith has embraced the use of micro-Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs or small underwater drones) to collect new information on the biodiversity and ecology of Australia’s deep reefs (30 -150m).

“By visiting international deep-reef exploration and conservation institutions, I will gain experience and understanding of how these new technologies can contribute to expanding scientific knowledge of coral reefs beyond the depth of divers,” Dr Galbraith said.

Dr Gemma Galbraith has been recognised for her work with marine robotics to further knowledge of Australia’s deep coral reefs. Picture: Supplied.

78 metres: Angel fish species were found living in the deep reefs

“This will include technical aspects of advanced marine robotics and practical application of ROVs to understand, conserve and protect deep reef marine life.

“By working with global experts, I’ll attain new knowledge and experience of scientific methods and best practice to bring advanced marine robotics back to Australia’s coral reefs.”

By concurrently monitoring and studying of both shallow and deep reefs, she said it was a more holistic approach towards predicting and mitigating future changes to global coral reefs.

80 metres: East Diamond Islet

57 metres: Bougainville reef

Churchill Trust Acting CEO Sally Campbell said the Churchill Fellowship gave recipients up to eight weeks to immerse themselves in international best practices, gathering first-hand experiences and knowledge from around the globe.

“In fact, recipients are often quietly achieving extraordinary things behind the scenes. They’re everyday Australians who have the drive to create real change, often without seeking recognition,” Ms Campbell said.

67 metres: Bougainville reef

“Fellows return home ready to challenge the status quo and work in their field of endeavour to implement what they’ve learnt – they’re determined to make a difference.”

For more information, visit: www.churchilltrust.com.au.

Originally published as Reef researcher Dr Gemma Galbraith receives prestigious award to travel overseas