Dr Julie Vercelloni | The science of reef conservation

Saving coral reefs isn’t just about diving deep—it’s about decoding the data that holds the answers. Dr Julie Vercelloni is pioneering innovative statistical models, AI-driven reef analysis, and open-access science to safeguard marine ecosystems at the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS). Learn how her unique blend of expertise is helping shape the future of reef conservation worldwide.

What influenced your decision to work in marine ecology?

I grew up along the Mediterranean coast in the south of France, with a lifelong passion for the underwater world. It was during my master's studies in the Indian Ocean that I discovered coral reefs—especially corals—and from that moment, I was captivated by their beauty, complexity, and fragility.

How did your experiences at QUT shape your career path?

I completed my PhD and two postdoctoral positions at QUT, where I gained the essential skills and knowledge to navigate the world of research. Beyond the technical aspects, my time at the university was shaped by the support of inspiring mentors and colleagues who genuinely cared about my growth, both professionally and personally.

Can you describe your current research focus at the Australian Institute of Marine Science?

My research focuses on developing quantitative approaches to better understand the impact of climate change on coral reefs. I am currently working on innovative statistical models to predict reef health on a global scale. These models provide valuable insights into biodiversity changes and support effective reef management and conservation efforts.

How do you integrate new technologies and data science into your research?

I integrate new technologies and data science into my research by leveraging AI-driven analyses to enhance coral reef monitoring. I work with images captured by divers and underwater robots, which are processed using deep learning methods to estimate the abundance of various reef species. These outputs are then incorporated into statistical models to predict ecological changes across large spatial scales, such as management regions, while identifying key environmental drivers.

What are some key findings from the ReefCloud project?

ReefCloud is a digital platform designed to support coral reef monitoring. This open-access tool leverages AI to automatically classify marine organisms in seafloor images and advanced analysis to generate robust data-driven insights. It plays a key role in generating federal reports on the status and trends of coral reefs across multiple Pacific nations, including Australia.

How do you incorporate Indigenous knowledge into your research?

The Northern Australian Marine Monitoring Alliance was established to collaborate with remote Indigenous communities in monitoring their marine ecosystems. Our team works closely with rangers, equipping them with Western scientific techniques—including the use of underwater robots to navigate the region’s crocodile-inhabited waters and strong currents. Traditional Owners and rangers take the lead in determining when and where to collect images and selecting key species of interest. Together, we have developed an interactive dashboard to track and report environmental changes, ensuring the data is meaningful and accessible to the communities.

Why is research on blue carbon flows important?

The Blue Carbon Seascapes project investigates a natural solution to reduce carbon emissions from the atmosphere. Mangroves, seagrasses, and seaweeds naturally absorb carbon dioxide from both the air and water. When pieces of these plants break off and become buried in the mud the carbon they contain is safely locked away for hundreds to thousands of years. The project provides scientific evidence of carbon flows and long-term storage from different marine ecosystem sources along the Ningaloo and Exmouth Gulf coasts.

How has your research impacted government agencies or industry partners?

My research focuses on generating robust data-driven insights from cutting-edge statistical methods. Government agencies and industry partners use this evidence to guide effective management and conservation strategies.

What advice do you have for aspiring marine ecologists?

Marine ecologists face complex challenges in understanding the impact of climate change on coral reefs and other marine ecosystems. Ecology is becoming an increasingly multidisciplinary field, where collaboration between biologists, engineers, statisticians, mathematicians, social scientists, economists, and lawyers is essential. If you’re passionate about marine ecology and have interests in other disciplines, don’t hesitate to develop expertise and experiences in multiple areas—real-world environmental solutions require multidisciplinary scientists.

What are your future research goals?

My future research goals are to promote the use of robust analytical methods in marine ecology and advocate for open-access principles. The digital revolution has made vast amounts of data more accessible than ever, yet the statistical approaches commonly used in ecology often lack the complexity needed to handle big data or effectively answer key research questions. Beyond demonstrating the ecological relevance of advanced methods through scientific publications, my focus is on making these tools widely available by sharing reproducible code and detailed methods, and empowering students to develop strong quantitative skills.

What is one skill you couldn't live without?

I can’t live without being curious! Curiosity is one of the fundamental drivers of research – it is the key to never stop questioning.

QUT degree - Doctor of Philosophy, 2015

Have a question for Julie? Connect with her on LinkedIn.