Sophie Giraudon

French environmental scientist leading innovative coral reef restoration efforts in the South Pacific

Sophie Giraudon: Coral Guardian

Dr. Sophie Giraudon (b. 1985) is a marine biologist and environmental engineer whose pioneering work in coral reef restoration has made her a leading voice in ocean conservation. Working primarily in French Polynesia and New Caledonia, she developed the '3D Printed Reef' technique that uses biodegradable polymers to create artificial reef structures that accelerate coral growth by 400% compared to natural rates. This breakthrough technology has been deployed across 15 atoll systems, restoring over 12km² of degraded reefs by 2022.

Her team's work at the La Palmyre Research Institute combines cutting-edge 3D printing with traditional Polynesian ecological knowledge, creating hybrid solutions that address both climate impacts and local community needs. Sophie's 2018 TED Talk 'Rebuilding Oceans with Science and Culture' has garnered over 2 million views, inspiring global marine conservation initiatives.

Notable projects include the Coral Guardians Network - a partnership with 8 Pacific island nations training local divers in reef restoration techniques. Her recent collaboration with NASA's Jet Propulsion Lab uses satellite data to predict coral bleaching events 18 months in advance, enabling preemptive restoration actions.