My research addresses fundamental questions about the evolution of marine invertebrates. Recently, the main focus of my research has been on the effect of intra- and inter-specific gene flow within and among peripheral coral populations and species. Since introgression and genetic connectivity are key factors for evolution and adaptation as well as for population resilience, recovery and persistence, the identification and quantification of past and present gene flow is of major interest, not only for basic evolutionary research but also for applied conservation.