The 2024 Ronald Ross Lecture Series: Biological Invasions - Insights from the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Assessment on Invasive Alien Species and Their Control
Event Details:
- Date: Thursday, 15 February 2024
- Time: Starts 18:00
- Venue: John Ioannides Auditorium, Fresnel Building | Live streaming of the discussion will be available on The Cyprus Institute’s YouTube Channel and Facebook Channel
- Speaker: Professor Helen Roy MBE Hon. FRES, UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology and University of Exeter
The 2024 Ronald Ross Lecture Series
Biological Invasions: Insights from the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Assessment on Invasive Alien Species and Their Control
Professor Helen Roy MBE Hon. FRES
Professor, UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology and University of Exeter
Abstract
It is widely recognised that the most effective action against biological invasions is preventing the arrival of invasive alien species. Therefore, there has been increasing focus on horizon scanning to predict which invasive alien species pose an imminent emerging threat. Prioritising invasive alien species in the context of the pathways by which they might arrive can be informative for decision-making. Horizon scanning for invasive alien species that could arrive and pose a threat to biodiversity and ecosystems across Europe has underpinned prioritisation of invasive alien species for risk assessment and subsequently consideration for inclusion within lists of invasive alien species of concern. Invasive alien species can have multiple impacts spanning plant, animal, human and wildlife health; cross-sectoral sharing of information is critical to effective action.
She will share insights into invasion ecology from broad patterns and processes to approaches in surveillance and monitoring, including citizen science. She will highlight the importance of collaborative, interdisciplinary partnerships including the forthcoming IPBES global thematic assessment on invasive alien species. Networks established through these initiatives have benefits for people, science and nature.
About the speaker
Professor Helen Roy MBE Hon. FRES is an ecologist at the UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology and Professor in Ecology at the University of Exeter. Her research focuses on the effects of environmental change, particularly biological invasions, on biodiversity and ecosystems.
Helen leads many collaborative national and international research projects on biological invasions with a focus on enhancing information flow to inform understanding of the impacts of invasive alien species. Helen also enjoys science communication and public engagement with research which led to her interest in citizen science; an approach that she has implemented in a number of contexts.
Helen co-leads the UK Ladybird Survey and enjoys collaborating with ladybird recorders across the UK. She led the global assessment on invasive non-native species for the Intergovernmental Panel on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services which was approved at the IPBES Plenary in September 2023.
Early Warning Support Platform Launch
Climate and Vector-Borne Disease Intelligence Platform for Early Warning, Decision Support, and Public Health Planning
Dr. Kamil Erguler & Dr. Ahmet Arca
Climate and Atmosphere Research Center (CARE-C), The Cyprus Institute
VEClim is an early warning decision support system for climate-sensitive vector-borne diseases (VBDs) to improve the prediction and management of VBDs by employing data-driven, mechanistic, and climate-sensitive geographical modelling to represent vector populations and disease transmission. The platform (https://veclim.com) displays vector presence, seasonal activity profiles, and risk maps. It is planned to include an extensive database of meteorological variables, climate projections, and environmental covariates and an up-to-date longitudinal vector surveillance dataset. Customised simulations under different climate scenarios and vector control activities will also be possible.
The project is supported by the Wellcome Trust as part of Digital Technology Development Awards in Climate-Sensitive Infectious Disease Modelling. This is the foundation's first direct award to a Cypriot institution.
Programme
| Time | Description |
| 18:00 - 18:10 | Welcome words by Prof. Stavros Malas, President, The Cyprus Institute |
| 18:10 - 18:15 | Opening statement by the British Deputy High Commissioner to Cyprus, Mr. Ben Rawlings |
| 18:15 - 18:45 | VEClim - A climate and vector-borne disease intelligence platform for early warning and public health planning, Dr. Kamil Erguler and Dr. Ahmet Arca, The Cyprus Institute |
| 18:45 - 19:30 | The 2024 Ronald Ross Lecture by Prof. Helen Roy: Biological Invasions - Insights from the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Assessment on Invasive Alien Species and Their Control |
| 19:30 - 20:00 | Questions and Answers, Discussion |
This event is part of the Ronald Ross Lecture Series, which is co-organised by The Cyprus Institute and the British High Commission
This event contributes to the following United Nations Sustainable Development Goals:
Contact: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | +357 22 208 702
Additional Info
- Date: Thursday, 15 February 2024
- Time: Lecture starts: 18:00
-
Speaker: Professor Helen Roy MBE Hon. FRES
UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology and University of Exeter -
Speaker Position:
