The isolation and growth of coral stem cells has been identified as the number one priority for achieving genetic resilience in corals. Stem cells are capable of differentiation into a wide variety of cells and have been shown in many organisms to be critical for therapeutic and regenerative applications.

Improved knowledge about coral stem cells and development of techniques for isolation and propagation will provide technology that is fundamental for repair, recovery, and regeneration of thermo-tolerant corals. This team was the first to isolate pluripotent stem cells from corals (2018). In their ACT project, they are attempting to develop stem cell therapeutics for corals.