South China Sea (SCS) is known as part of global centre of biodiversity for marine organism especially coral reefs, which provide a number of ecosystem services, such as food from small-scale fisheries, income from tourism and shoreline protection against wave and erosion. During the Anthropocene, coral reefs are impacted by various natural and anthropogenic disturbances influencing the health status of the coral reefs.

The Coral Reef Ecology group (CORE) aims to monitor and assess the reef ecosystem in the South China Sea as well as to studies the coral biology and socio-economy aspects.

Research approaches involve field survey at reef ecosystem which involve SCUBA diving, application of innovative applications by complementing traditional ecological approaches with advancement in techniques such as coral video transect (CVT), stereo – fish underwater video (Stereo-FUV), multi-beam echo sounder (MBES), UAV drone and USBL underwater positioning. Advancement for living tissues analysis involve omic technology, fatty acid markers, stable isotope and DNA methods. Beside field survey, well‐maintained coral‐microcosm systems provide a good opportunity for performing global‐change simulations under controlled conditions and allow significant hypothesis testing.

CORE group provide better insights into the complex interactions that build the resilience of the reef ecosystem in South China Sea. The knowledge needed to understand and make intelligent decisions related to conservation, climate change and resource management.