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GEE Seminar - Professor Helen Roy, UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology
09 March 2022, 12:00 pm–1:00 pm
Title: 'Predicting Biological Invasions Globally to Inform Policy'
Event Information
Open to
- UCL staff | UCL students | UCL alumni
Availability
- Yes
Organiser
-
Amy Godfrey
Location
-
Hybrid Event---
Academic Host: Kate Jones
Abstract: The Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) Global Assessment’s message is stark: biodiversity – the diversity within species, between species, and of ecosystems – is declining faster than at any time in human history. Invasive non-native species introduced by humans into regions beyond their natural distribution, were identified as one of the five top direct causes of biodiversity loss. Biological invasions can threaten biodiversity and ecosystems, particularly through their interactions with other drivers such as climate change. I will share insights into invasion ecology from broad patterns and processes to approaches in surveillance and monitoring, including citizen science. I will highlight the importance of collaborative, interdisciplinary partnerships including the forthcoming IPBES global thematic assessment on invasive non-native species. Networks established through these initiatives have benefits for people, science and nature.
About the Speaker
Professor Helen Roy
Ecologist (Individual Merit (IMP) Scientist and Group Leader at UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology
My research focuses on the effects of environmental change on insect populations and communities. I am particularly interested in the dynamics of invasive non-native species and their effects on biodiversity and ecosystems. I am a co-chair for the IPBES Thematic Assessment on Invasive Alien Species and their control. I also chair the COST Action network ALIEN CSI (Citizen Science Investigate) which aims to increase understanding of alien species through citizen science and involves more than 30 countries. I have the pleasure of leading a number of projects for the European Commission on non-native species - particularly in enhancing communication and understanding but also prioritising species for risk assessment. I lead a project to produce a comprehensive information portal on non-native species in Great Britain which also includes annual reports on status and trends of invasive non-native species and the development of an alert system for people to report sightings of concern (GB Non-Native Species Information Portal). Over the last few years I have had the privilege of working with the UK Overseas Territories to predict and prioritise invasive non-native species.