Former naturopath and scientist share John Maddox prize

Scientist documenting coral reef decline and whistleblower on alternative therapy industry share award

A scientist who is documenting the devastating decline of the world's coral reefs and a former naturopath turned whistleblower on the alternative therapy industry have been jointly awarded a prestigious prize for championing science in the face of hostility and legal threats.

Prof Terry Hughes, the director of the ARC Centre of Excellence for Coral Reef Studies in Australia and a world expert on the Great Barrier Reef, was awarded the John Maddox prize for bringing to the world's attention the catastrophic coral reef bleaching that has occurred as the world's oceans have warmed.