Prof. Dr. Suchana Chavanich from the Department of Marine Science, Faculty of Science, Chulalongkorn University; Vice Director of the Aquatic Resources Research Institute; and Deputy Managing Director of Chula Unisearch has been selected a recipient of the Pew Fellows Program in Marine Conservation 2026, making her the first Thai scientist to be awarded this prestigious honor as well as the first Thai individual to receive a global award in marine conservation.
The Pew Fellows Program in Marine Conservation is a program that supports mid-career scientists and experts from around the world in advancing knowledge and innovation in marine conservation. The program awards fellowships to outstanding and widely recognized researchers to conduct independent research projects over a three-year period on topics related to marine conservation. This fellowship is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious and respected honors in the field of marine science. Fellows selected in 2026 will also join the international network of Pew Marine Fellows, which currently includes more than 200 alumni worldwide who collaborate to advance marine science and promote the sustainable use of marine resources.
Prof. Dr. Suchana Chavanich’s research focuses on developing new technologies and methods to enhance coral reef restoration in Southeast Asia, one of the regions with the world’s highest coral diversity. The project will develop techniques for coral propagation through sexual reproduction, as well as establish sperm and egg banks using cryopreservation technology to preserve the genetic diversity of corals for restoration efforts. The research will also study young corals to identify traits associated with resilience to stress caused by rising ocean temperatures. In addition, the project involves collaboration with local communities and government agencies to promote community-driven coral reef restoration and support the sustainable use of marine resources.
In 2026, a total of 7 scientists from 5 countries—Australia, the USA, Canada, Japan, and Thailand—were chosen to be Pew Fellows.
