David Baker

David Baker is a multi-disciplinary marine ecologist. His research aims to understand the role of nutrients and nutrition on symbioses in nature. He focuses on coral reef species, and has published on corals, gorgonians, sponges, jellyfish, etc. His expertise is in stable isotope biogeochemistry — a technique that "counts" atoms of the elements of life and reveals their origins and transformations. His ultimate goal is to reveal the importance of nutrients on the evolution and extinction of symbiosis.

In 2020, he co-founded Archireef, Ltd. with Vriko Yu and Deniz Tekerek. Archireef's goal is to build dynamic marine ecosystems through ecological restoration. Their flagship product — the "reef tile" — was developed at HKU and is an elegant solution blending an ancient material with a modern technology. Archireef 3D designs and prints in terracotta and biocompatible concrete to restore complexity and biodiversity to the oceans.

David strives to support "eco-entrepreneurs" — serving as an advisor to isoFoodtrace with Lim Luk and Inga Conti-Jerpe, and supporting Biochrom, Ltd., run by Jane Wong.

As a lifelong student and practitioner of Science Communication, he teaches a graduate course on the topic to first-year students. He is a frequent participant and supporter of science public outreach events.