Improving coral health

15 April 2026

UTS Chancellor’s Research Fellow Dr Jen Matthews is redefining how we understand and protect coral reef ecosystems through pioneering research in chemical ecology. Learn how the recipient of the Early Career Research Excellence Award in the 2025 UTS Vice Chancellor’s Awards for Research Excellence translates cutting edge science into real world impact, exemplifying what it means to translate discovery into benefit.

UTS Chancellor’s Research Fellow Dr Jen Matthews and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) Prof Kate McGrath

By uncovering how chemical and metabolic interactions shape coral resilience, Jen has fundamentally shifted prevailing models of coral health. As the Deputy Team Leader of the Future Reefs Program in the Climate Change Cluster (C3), her research has led to practical innovations such as a coral “baby food”. This product doubles larval survival and is now deployed on the Great Barrier Reef through co‑designed partnerships with Traditional Owners and industry.

Jen first became fascinated by corals after seeing them in the middle of bleaching during a marine heatwave event on what was meant to be a two-week holiday in Thailand.

“I ended up staying for four years, launching a marine conservation organisation supporting local marine management and restoration and eventually returning to research,” Jen said.

From that point on, Jen knew she wanted to be working at somewhere like UTS, a university where fundamental science directly informs real-world action.

Research in complex systems

“Coral reef systems are incredibly complex, and that complexity makes translation challenging,” said Jen, adding that the accelerating pressures of climate change means that researchers often work against a moving target.

“Any solutions need to be both scientifically robust and adaptable to rapidly changing conditions.”

Jen advises researchers seeking to translate their research for societal benefit to start with the end in mind.

Any solutions need to be both scientifically robust and adaptable to rapidly changing conditions.

“What outcomes are you seeking? Co-design your research with the people who will ultimately use them. Translation (and therefore impact) is most effective when it’s embedded from the beginning, rather than treated as an afterthought,” she said.

Contributing to a strong research culture

Beyond research breakthroughs, Jen is a deeply engaged member of the UTS research community. She mentors early‑career researchers, supports higher degree students across disciplines and plays an active role in building an inclusive research culture through equity and diversity leadership.

Her teaching integrates live research challenges, ensuring students learn through real‑world, research‑led experiences.

Jen is also building UTS’s profile globally through many international collaborations, public science communication and policy‑relevant research. These initiatives highlight her commitment to inclusive, stakeholder‑led research with ecological and social impact.

Recognition at early career stage

From citizen science platforms to biosensors for reef monitoring, Jen’s work showcases UTS as a leader in creative, connected and purpose‑driven research. As an early career researcher, winning a Vice Chancellor’s Award for Research Excellence can make a real difference.

“It’s meaningful recognition for the hard work and persistence that goes into building a research career. In a highly competitive landscape, this kind of acknowledgement can be pivotal in creating opportunities for long-term stability and impact,” said Jen.

She encourages others to nominate a colleague or themselves for future Awards because recognition at early career stage is critical for competition for limited positions.

It’s meaningful recognition for the hard work and persistence that goes into building a research career. In a highly competitive landscape, this kind of acknowledgement can be pivotal in creating opportunities for long-term stability and impact.

“Awards like these maintain research momentum and contribute to talent retention for a university. They help researchers stay competitive for limited positions, but just as importantly, it builds confidence, maintains momentum and supports the retention of talented people in vital research.”