BOCA RATON — Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute at Florida Atlantic University recently named three laboratories in memory of John and Andreija Robertson. The labs, which will be located in the new Marine Science Building, will house the Robertson Coral Reef Research and Conservation Program.
The Robertson coral reef program was made possible by a $1 million gift in 2004 from the Banbury Fund, formally led by William Robertson, John’s brother. The Banbury Fund is a philanthropic foundation established by Charles and Marie Robertson and is now led by Katherine Robertson-Ernst, John’s sister.
The Robertson brothers became involved with Harbor Branch in 1999. They were particularly interested in supporting coral reef research, due to the noticeable decline in coral reefs in the Florida Keys. It was this interest that inspired Harbor Branch to use the Banbury gift to fund its coral reef program.
“This program is a testament to the vision of Bill Robertson and his family,” said Dennis Hanisak, Ph.D., director of Harbor Branch’s Center of Marine Ecosystem Health. “The support of the Banbury Fund has been instrumental to building a world-class research program and enabling a number of truly important conservation initiatives.”
The Robertson Program is dedicated to understanding and preventing losses in shallow and deep water coral communities that result from both natural and man-made causes. Robertson Program funds also allowed Harbor Branch to hire two biological scientists whose expertise has significantly increased the productivity of the coral reef program.
The Robertson funds are making a significant difference at Harbor Branch,” said Margaret Leinen, Ph.D., executive director of Harbor Branch. “Our researchers are identifying and protecting previously unknown deep water coral reefs and developing new ways of assessing coral health. We also are able to foster the development of new scientists who will devote their careers to this important research.”