Laura Falkenberg

Dr Laura Falkenberg

Lecturer, Human Dimensions of the Environment

School of Physics, Chemistry and Earth Sciences

College of Sciences

Eligible to supervise Masters and PhD - email supervisor to discuss availability.


Dr Laura Falkenberg is a marine biologist and ecologist. Laura is interested in understanding the impacts human activities are having on coastal marine organisms, the ecosystems they form, and services provided to human societies. Human impacts of particular focus include ocean acidification and warming, nutrient and chemical addition, and microplastic pollution. Laura has researched these topics in a range of settings including Sweden, Norway, Hong Kong, and Adelaide. Laura is also interested in how we do and share science, having published on topics such as curriculum development, citizen science, publishing, and peer review.

Year Citation
2026 Falkenberg, L. J., & Joyce, P. W. S. (2026). Tracking the coastal bioinvasion by mussels in Hong Kong. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 222(118678), 1-7.
DOI Scopus1 WoS1
2025 Terenzini, J., McQuatters Gollop, A., & Falkenberg, L. J. (2025). Combining historical and citizen science jellyfish records to inform marine biodiversity management. ICES Journal of Marine Science, 82(5, article no. fsaf063), 1-10.
DOI Scopus2 WoS2
2025 Joyce, P. W. S., & Falkenberg, L. J. (2025). Preferential consumption of invasive over native prey by rocky intertidal predators. Marine Biology, 172(10, article no. 160), 1-10.
DOI
2025 Falkenberg, L. J. (2025). Career pathway interview: Tullio Rossi, Director at Animate Your Science-helping scientists to unleash their impact. Limnology and Oceanography Bulletin, 34(2), 45-47.
DOI Scopus1
2025 Terenzini, J., Li, Y., & Falkenberg, L. (2025). Occurrence of Cyanea purpurea in Hong Kong waters observed by citizen scientists and confirmed with DNA analysis. Journal of the Marine Biological Association of the United Kingdom, 105(e73), 1-6.
DOI
2025 Bass, A. V., Wang, Z., Chung, N. M., So, M. W. K., Falkenberg, L. J., & Thibodeau, B. (2025). Altered nutrient cycling functionality in seagrass meadows under a simulated future marine heatwave event. New Phytologist, online(6), 1-14.
DOI
2024 Falkenberg, L. (2024). In Discussion with Limnology and Oceanography Bulletin's Associate Editors. Limnology and Oceanography Bulletin, 33(3), 126-127.
DOI Scopus1
2024 Franco Santos, R. M., Bizic, M., Chen, R. F., Cuker, B., Davis, J., Falkenberg, L. J., . . . Schieler, B. M. (2024). ASLO opportunities for students and early career professionals in aquatic sciences. Limnology and Oceanography Bulletin, 33(4), 159-167.
DOI Scopus2
2024 Falkenberg, L. J., Cornet, J. E., & Joyce, P. W. S. (2024). Nature-based solutions to the management of legacy plastic pollution: Filter-feeders as bioremediation tools for coastal microplastics. Science of the Total Environment, 956(177237), 1-6.
DOI Scopus4 Europe PMC1
2024 Falkenberg, L. J. (2024). Bertrand, P. and Legendre, L.2021. Earth, Our Living Planet: The Earth System and Its Co-evolution with Organisms. Springer: Switzerland. ISBN 978-3-030-67772-5. 572 p. 37.99 EU. Limnology and Oceanography Bulletin, 33(2), 89-90.
DOI
2024 Franco Santos, R. M., Falkenberg, L. J., Hotaling, S., & Peck, E. (2024). Meeting the Raelyn Cole Editorial Fellows at the ASLO 2023 Aquatic Sciences Meeting: perspectives on professional development, writing, and finding your academic superpower. Limnology and Oceanography Bulletin, 33(1), 38-40.
DOI Scopus2
2024 Carreira, C., Joyce, P. W. S., Morán, X. A. G., Carvalho, S., Falkenberg, L., & Lønborg, C. (2024). Too hot to handle? An urgent need to understand climate change impacts on the biogeochemistry of tropical coastal waters. Global Change Biology, 30(1), 1-5.
DOI Scopus4 Europe PMC1
2024 Terenzini, J., Fan, Y., Liu, M. J. Y., & Falkenberg, L. J. (2024). Jellyfish in Hong Kong: a citizen science dataset. Gigabyte, 2024, 1-10.
DOI Scopus1 Europe PMC1
2024 Bass, A. V., Falkenberg, L. J., & Thibodeau, B. (2024). Seagrasses under stress: independent negative effects of elevated temperature and light reduction at multiple levels of organization. Limnology And Oceanography, online(S2), 1-16.
DOI Scopus4 WoS3
2024 Tsang, H. H., Joyce, P. W. S., & Falkenberg, L. J. (2024). Temperature-dependent responses and trophic interaction strengths of a predatory marine gastropod and rock oyster under ocean warming. Marine Environmental Research, 201(106675), 1-9.
DOI
2024 Bass, A. V., & Falkenberg, L. J. (2024). Seasonal effects and trophic pressure shape the responses of species interactions in a tropical seagrass meadow to marine heatwaves. Oikos, 2024(article no. e10382), 1-17.
DOI Scopus5 WoS5
2024 Falkenberg, L. J., Joyce, P. W. S., & Soranno, P. A. (2024). How to write lay summaries of research articles for wider accessibility. Limnology and Oceanography Letters, 9(2), 93-98.
DOI Scopus3 WoS3
2024 Joyce, P. W. S., Tong, C. B., Yip, Y. L., & Falkenberg, L. J. (2024). Marine heatwaves as drivers of biological and ecological change: implications of current research patterns and future opportunities. Marine Biology, 171(1), 1-13.
DOI Scopus24 WoS24
2023 Terenzini, J., Boco, S. R., & Falkenberg, L. J. (2023). Cubomedusae (Cubozoa, Carybdeida, Carukiidae) in Hong Kong, China: first records of cubozoans in Chinese waters confirmed using citizen science and digital authentication. Check List, 19(5), 691-701.
DOI Scopus7 WoS7
2023 Ducker, J., Joyce, P. W. S., & Falkenberg, L. J. (2023). Mussels show capacity for persistence under, and recovery from, marine heatwaves. Marine Biology, 170(10, article no. 120), 1-12.
DOI Scopus6 WoS4
2023 Bass, A. V., & Falkenberg, L. J. (2023). Two tropical seagrass species show differing indicators of resistance to a marine heatwave. Ecology and Evolution, 13(7, article no. e10304), 1-12.
DOI Scopus9
2023 Terenzini, J., Safaya, S., & Falkenberg, L. J. (2023). Motivations and Barriers to Participation in Citizen Science: The Case Study of the Hong Kong Jellyfish Project. Citizen Science: Theory and Practice, 8(1, article no. 51), 1-14.
DOI Scopus8
2023 Hemraj, D. A., Falkenberg, L. J., Cheung, K., Man, L., Carini, A., & Russell, B. D. (2023). Acidification and hypoxia drive physiological trade-offs in oysters and partial loss of nutrient cycling capacity in oyster holobiont. Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution, 11(1083315), 1-11.
DOI Scopus7
2023 Bass, A. V., & Falkenberg, L. J. (2023). Contrasting behavioural responses to ocean acidification and warming have the potential to disrupt herbivory. Climate Change Ecology, 5(100068), 1-7.
DOI Scopus7
2023 Falkenberg, L. J., & Joyce, P. W. S. (2023). Internationalisation at home: developing a Global Change Biology course curriculum to enhance sustainable development. Sustainability (Switzerland), 15(9, article no. 7509), 1-11.
DOI Scopus2
2023 Terenzini, J., Li, Y., & Falkenberg, L. J. (2023). Unlocking Hong Kong's hidden jellyfish diversity with citizen science. Regional Studies in Marine Science, 62(102896), 1-9.
DOI Scopus13
2023 Joyce, P. W., & Falkenberg, L. J. (2023). Microplastic abundances in co-occurring marine mussels: species and spatial differences. Regional Studies in Marine Science, 57(102730), 1-7.
DOI Scopus28
2023 Joyce, P. W. S., Lee, S. Y., & Falkenberg, L. J. (2023). First record of the alien invasive mussel Mytella strigata (Hanley, 1843) in Hong Kong. Bioinvasions Records, 12(2), 385-391.
DOI Scopus9
2023 Hotaling, S., Deemer, B. R., Poulson-Ellestad, K., & Falkenberg, L. J. (2023). Taking steps to address inequities in open-access publishing through an early career publication honor. Limnology and Oceanography Letters, 8(3), 385-387.
DOI Scopus8
2022 Joyce, P. W. S., & Falkenberg, L. J. (2022). Microplastics, both non-biodegradable and biodegradable, do not affect the whole organism functioning of a marine mussel. Science of the Total Environment, 839, 156204.
DOI Scopus45 Europe PMC21
2022 Xie, Y., Huang, E. Y. Y., Nong, W., Law, S. T. S., Yu, Y., Cheung, K., . . . Hui, J. H. L. (2022). Population Genomics, Transcriptional Response to Heat Shock, and Gut Microbiota of the Hong Kong Oyster Magallana hongkongensis. Journal of Marine Science and Engineering, 10(2), 237.
DOI Scopus2
2022 Garner, N., Ross, P. M., Falkenberg, L. J., Seymour, J. R., Siboni, N., & Scanes, E. (2022). Can seagrass modify the effects of ocean acidification on oysters?. Marine Pollution Bulletin, 177, 113438.
DOI Scopus15 Europe PMC2
2022 Terenzini, J., & Falkenberg, L. J. (2022). First records of the jellyfishes Thysanostoma loriferum (Ehrenberg, 1837) and Netrostoma setouchianum (Kishinouye, 1902) in Hong Kong waters. Check List, 18(2), 357-362.
DOI Scopus6
2022 Joyce, P. W. S., Tang, W. Y., & Falkenberg, L. J. (2022). Marine heatwaves of different magnitudes have contrasting effects on herbivore behaviour. Scientific Reports, 12(1, article no. 17309), 1-9.
DOI Scopus7 Europe PMC1
2021 Anderson, K. M., & Falkenberg, L. J. (2021). Variation in thermal performance curves for oxygen consumption and loss of critical behaviors in co-occurring species indicate the potential for ecosystem stability under ocean warming. Marine Environmental Research, 172(105487), 1-7.
DOI Scopus2 Europe PMC2
2021 Falkenberg, L. J., King, E. H., Russell, B. D., & Chen, R. F. (2021). Maximizing the impact of science outreach training. Limnology and Oceanography Bulletin, 30(3), 85-91.
DOI Scopus2
2021 Falkenberg, L. J., Simons, D. L., & Anderson, K. M. (2021). Ocean warming reduces gastropod survival despite maintenance of feeding and oxygen consumption rates. Limnology and Oceanography Letters, 6(4), 165-172.
DOI Scopus11
2021 Deemer, B. R., Hotaling, S., Poulson-Ellestad, K., Falkenberg, L. J., Cloern, J. E., & Soranno, P. A. (2021). Engaging the next generation of editorial talent through a hands-on fellowship model. Ecology Letters, 24(7), 1297-1301.
DOI Scopus6 Europe PMC1
2021 Falkenberg, L. J., Scanes, E., Ducker, J., & Ross, P. M. (2021). Biotic habitats as refugia under ocean acidification. Conservation Physiology, 9(1).
DOI Scopus23
2020 Ducker, J., & Falkenberg, L. J. (2020). How the Pacific Oyster Responds to Ocean Acidification: Development and Application of a Meta-Analysis Based Adverse Outcome Pathway. Frontiers in Marine Science, 7.
DOI Scopus12
2020 Poulson Ellestad, K., Hotaling, S., Falkenberg, L. J., & Soranno, P. (2020). Illuminating a black box of the peer review system: demographics, experiences, and career benefits of associate editors. Limnology and Oceanography Bulletin, 29(1), 11-17.
DOI Scopus11
2020 Deemer, B. R., Hotaling, S., Poulson Ellestad, K., Falkenberg, L. J., & Cloern, J. E. (2020). Virtual networking between editors and early career scientists: benefits, silver linings, and lessons learned. Limnology and Oceanography Bulletin, 29(4), 141-144.
DOI Scopus3
2020 Falkenberg, L. J., Bellerby, R. G. J., Connell, S. D., Fleming, L. E., Maycock, B., Russell, B. D., . . . Dupont, S. (2020). Ocean Acidification and Human Health.. Int J Environ Res Public Health, 17(12), 1-18.
DOI Scopus285 WoS242 Europe PMC33
2019 Falkenberg, L. J., Styan, C. A., & Havenhand, J. N. (2019). Sperm motility of oysters from distinct populations differs in response to ocean acidification and freshening. Scientific Reports, 9(1), 7 pages.
DOI Scopus15 WoS15 Europe PMC6
2018 Falkenberg, L. J., & Soranno, P. A. (2018). Reviewing reviews: an evaluation of peer reviews of journal article submissions. Limnology and Oceanography Bulletin, 27(1), 1-5.
DOI Scopus36
2018 Soranno, P. A., & Falkenberg, L. J. (2018). How Editorial Fellowships at Society Journals Can Provide Opportunities for Early Career Researchers in Publishing: A Case Study of the Raelyn Cole Editorial Fellowship. Limnology and Oceanography Bulletin, 27(3), 88.
DOI Scopus2
2018 Falkenberg, L. J., Dupont, S., & Bellerby, R. G. J. (2018). Approaches to Reconsider Literature on Physiological Effects of Environmental Change: Examples From Ocean Acidification Research. Frontiers in Marine Science, 5.
DOI Scopus8
2017 Connell, S., Fernandes, M., Burnell, O., Doubleday, Z., Griffin, K., Irving, A., . . . Falkenberg, L. (2017). Testing for thresholds of ecosystem collapse in seagrass meadows. Conservation Biology, 31(5), 1196-1201.
DOI Scopus49 WoS46 Europe PMC21
2017 Falkenberg, L. J., & Tubb, A. (2017). Undisciplined Thinking Facilitates Accessible Writing: A Response to Doubleday and Connell. Trends in Ecology and Evolution, 32(12), 894-895.
DOI Scopus6 WoS5
2017 Falkenberg, L. J., & Tubb, A. (2017). Economic effects of ocean acidification: Publication patterns and directions for future research. Ambio, 46(5), 543-553.
DOI Scopus12 WoS13 Europe PMC3
2017 Falkenberg, L. J., Wrange, A. L., Kinnby, A., Havenhand, J. N., Lockyer, A., & Styan, C. A. (2017). Low sensitivity of reproductive life-stages in the Pacific oyster (Crassostrea gigas) to abamectin. Chemosphere, 182, 665-671.
DOI Scopus10 WoS10 Europe PMC3
2016 Falkenberg, L. J., Havenhand, J. N., & Styan, C. A. (2016). Sperm Accumulated Against Surface: A novel alternative bioassay for environmental monitoring. Marine Environmental Research, 114, 51-57.
DOI Scopus12 WoS12 Europe PMC4
2016 Falkenberg, L., Russell, B., & Connell, S. (2016). Design and performance evaluation of a mesocosm facility and techniques to simulate ocean acidification and warming. Limnology and Oceanography: Methods, 14(4), 278-291.
DOI Scopus16 WoS16
2015 Falkenberg, L. J., & Styan, C. A. (2015). The use of simulated whole effluents in toxicity assessments: A review of case studies from reverse osmosis desalination plants. Desalination, 368, 3-9.
DOI Scopus26 WoS20
2015 Falkenberg, L., Connell, S., Coffee, O., Ghedini, G., & Russell, B. (2015). Species interactions can maintain resistance of subtidal algal habitats to an increasingly modified world. Global Ecology and Conservation, 4, 549-558.
DOI Scopus9 WoS9
2014 Falkenberg, L., Connell, S., & Russell, B. (2014). Herbivory mediates the expansion of an algal habitat under nutrient and CO₂ enrichment. Marine Ecology Progress Series, 497, 87-92.
DOI Scopus36 WoS36
2014 Falkenberg, L., & Styan, C. (2014). Too much data is never enough: a review of the mismatch between scales of water quality data collection and reporting from recent marine dredging programmes. Ecological Indicators, 45, 529-537.
DOI Scopus10 WoS9
2013 Falkenberg, L., Russell, B., & Connell, S. (2013). Future herbivory: the indirect effects of enriched CO₂ may rival its direct effects. Marine Ecology-Progress Series, 492, 85-95.
DOI Scopus56 WoS53
2013 Falkenberg, L., Russell, B., & Connell, S. (2013). Contrasting resource limitations of marine primary producers: implications for competitive interactions under enriched CO₂ and nutrient regimes. Oecologia, 172(2), 575-583.
DOI Scopus93 WoS89 Europe PMC32
2013 Falkenberg, L., Connell, S., & Russell, B. (2013). Disrupting the effects of synergies between stressors: improved water quality dampens the effects of future CO₂ on a marine habitat. Journal of Applied Ecology, 50(1), 51-58.
DOI Scopus50 WoS48
2012 Falkenberg, L., Russell, B., & Connell, S. (2012). Stability of strong species interactions resist the synergistic effects of local and global pollution in kelp forests. PLoS One, 7(3), 1-7.
DOI Scopus48 WoS47 Europe PMC19
2010 Falkenberg, L., Burnell, O., Connell, S., & Russell, B. (2010). Sustainability in Near-shore Marine Systems: Promoting Natural Resilience. Sustainability, Online(8), 1-8.
DOI Scopus18
2009 Russell, B., Thompson, J., Falkenberg, L., & Connell, S. (2009). Synergistic effects of climate change and local stressors: CO₂ and nutrient-driven change in subtidal rocky habitats. Global Change Biology, 15(9), 2153-2162.
DOI Scopus242 WoS220 Europe PMC59

Year Citation
2023 Scanes, E., Shalders, T. C., Coleman, M. A., Champion, C., Benkendorff, K., Joyce, P. W. S., . . . Dupont, S. (2023). Climate change and the ocean. In Oceans and Human Health Opportunities and Impacts (pp. 265-288). Elsevier.
DOI Scopus6
2019 Fitzer, S. C., Chan, V. B. S., Meng, Y., Rajan, K. C., Suzuki, M., Not, C., . . . Thiyagarajan, V. (2019). Established and emerging techniques for characterising the formation, structure and performance of calcified structures under ocean acidification. In Oceanography and Marine Biology (Vol. 57, pp. 89-126).
Scopus22
2013 Falkenberg, L. J., Connell, S. D., & Russell, B. D. (2013). Current and future eutrophication of nearshore marine environments: Causes, consequences and potential management strategies. In Eutrophication Causes Economic Implications and Future Challenges (pp. 215-238).
  • Ocean beach ecology and threats: a stakeholder perspective, CLLMM: Coorong, Lower Lakes and Murray Mouth Research Centre (Goyder Inst), 31/03/2025 - 31/03/2026

Courses I teach

  • ENVT 2016 Climate and Sustainability (2025)
  • ENVT 2016 Climate and Sustainability (2024)

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