Dr Helen Roy Biography

Dr Helen E. Roy
NERC Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, Oxfordshire, OX10 8BB

Helen is a group Head and Principal Scientist leading zoological research within the UK Biological Records Centre (part of the NERC Centre for Ecology & Hydrology), which is the UK focus for terrestrial and freshwater species recording.  The BRC database contains over 15 million records of more than 12000 species. Helen's work focuses on the use of large-scale and long-term datasets on the distribution and abundance of species to understand and predict the effects of environmental change on biodiversity. The current focus of her research is predicting the biological impact of invasive alien species (IAS).  Helen has worked on IAS for 10 years and as a community ecologist for 20 years.  Helen has worked extensively on ladybirds using the harlequin ladybird, Harmonia axyridis, as a model system for exploring invasions. She has a particular interest in the role of parasites in invasion and has been extending her research to consider the concept of alien pathogens. She is responsible for maintenance and further development of the Delivering Alien Invasive Species Inventories for Europe (DAISIE) web database, and the GB-Non-Native Species Information Portal (GB-NNSIP).  The GB-NNSIP provides information to underpin IAS strategy in GB and also includes an effective system for early warning for the funding body (Defra). In addition Helen developed the GB biodiversity indicator for IAS.  Recently she led a consensus workshop, on behalf of Defra, to derive a list of IAS predicted to arrive, establish and threaten biodiversity within GB. She subsequently led a number of EU projects to inform the new EU Regulation on Invasive Alien Species, specifically horizon scanning for new threats to Europe. Helen led the task "Establishment of an EU information system on alien and invasive alien species" as part of the EU IAS strategy consultation. She is the chair of the COST Action ALIEN Challenge (TD1209) which has been implemented to link and analyse information on IAS across Europe. ALIEN Challenge involves collaborations across more than 35 countries.  Helen also has extensive expertise in citizen science and led a major review which was published both as an extensive report and a guide to citizen science.  Helen was awarded the Zoological Society of London prestigious Silver Medal in recognition of her contribution to understanding and appreciation of zoology, recognising her leading role in science communication.  In 2015 she was included within the BBC Wildlife Magazine wildlife "power list" for contributions to mass participation citizen science.