Invasion Science Institute

University of Florida

There are more than 3,700 non-native species in Florida, and almost 40% of them have been identified as invasive. These species are reshaping ecosystems across the state, from marine and coastal systems to upland habitats, agricultural systems, urban areas, wetlands, and lakes. Invasive species range from agricultural insect and pathogen pests that reduce productivity to aggressive plants that suppress native biodiversity to predators like pythons and lionfish that devastate native wildlife.

The Invasion Science Institute at the University of Florida addresses the pressing challenge of invasive species in Florida, across the US, and globally. The Institute facilitates interdisciplinary research to enhance scientific discovery, develop innovative management solutions, and train the next generation of scientists.

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Updates and Events

Reshaping Nature Symposium

March 31, 2026

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Outstanding Publication Award

Award-winning papers from ISI Affiliates

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Invasive Plants and Ticks

Invasive Plants have the potential to enhance tick-borne diseases

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UF Blog: Invasion Science

  • Into Deep Lake: Exploration of a Hidden World in Big Cypress
    by Mike Loizzo
    Since earning his M.S. degree in 2023 from the UF/IFAS Department of Soil, Water, and Ecosystem Sciences (SWES), Anthony Halcyon has continued pursuing field-based exploration in unique and understudied environments. Most recently, he joined an expedition in Big Cypress National […]
  • Developing storm resistant trees
    by Larry Figart
    Even though hurricane season and afternoon storms are about a month out, now is the time to be  thinking about the trees around our homes. There is no “risk free” tree however; there are strategies that we  can undertake that […]
  • Florida Land Steward Update, May 8, 2026
    by Chris Demers
    FLORIDA WILDLIFE CORRIDOR PAYMENT FOR ECOSYSTEM SERVICES PILOT PROGRAM The Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation teamed up with The Balmoral Group to develop a Payments for Ecosystem Services (PES) framework using the University of Florida’s Ecological Greenways Network data to identify […]

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