Prof Francesca Porri is a marine ecologist working at the intersection of coastal restoration, community engagement, and sustainable ocean economies. Based at NRF-SAIAB, her research focuses on nature-based coastal infrastructure, shellfish reef restoration, and community-led ecological engineering approaches that support climate resilience, biodiversity, and local livelihoods.

Her work integrates ecological science, Indigenous knowledge systems, and social innovation to develop scalable, inclusive models for restoring degraded coastal ecosystems while enabling local enterprise. Through regional and international collaborations, she champions regenerative ocean research that is scientifically robust, socially inclusive, and economically relevant within African contexts.

Prof Porri plays an active leadership role in science-society engagement and interdisciplinary collaboration. She has contributed to key platforms, including the South African Science Association conference, the Sustainable Research & Innovation Congress (SRI) Africa Satellite Event, and the Integrated Coastal Management Lekgotla. Across these forums, she facilitates dialogue on nature-based solutions, transdisciplinary research, and the role of partnerships in advancing impactful and inclusive ocean science.