Coral reefs under a rapidly changing climate: Is the deep reef the Noah‘s arc for coral reef biodiversity?

In this presentation I will start by revisiting the current conservation state of coral reefs, and will introduce the coral holobiont concept. I will then present three research topics: 1) the evolutionary ecology of corals and their photoautotrophic symbionts, 2) the deep reef as a climate change refuge for coral biodiversity, and 3) new research findings potentially contributing to increased resilience of corals to climate change. Throughout this presentation, I will bring together personal and professional aspects that have shaped my career as coral reef scientist, including the recent witnessing and reporting of mass coral bleaching events on the Great Barrier Reef, in Australia.