The guiding question for my PhD project is ‘What role does value play in coral reef science?’. I am focused specifically on efforts to regenerate coral reefs. My aim is to produce an empirically-informed sociological and philosophical account of the roles played by value in coral reef science and practice. As well as theoretical analysis of the relevant scientific literature, I am also conducting interviews with coral scientists. My aim is not only to produce insights into why coral reefs are regarded as so important, but also into how science operates when its objects of study are considered valuable by scientists. This is an interdisciplinary project, combining elements of Sociology, Philosophy, Science and Technology Studies, and Marine Sciences.