Invasion Science Research Institute

Invasion Science Research Institute (ISRI)

Invasive species cause massive economic and environmental harm. The problems are often complex and multidimensional, yet our approach to their management tends to lack coordination and relies on single disciplinary perspectives. We aim to synergize the significant research and training capacity currently distributed across multiple disciplinary-based Departments and Colleges at the University of Florida to transform understanding and management of invasive species.

Facilitate

Facilitate interdisciplinary research to advance our understanding of invasive species including the underlying environmental, economic and socio-political drivers, which in turn informs the design, organization and delivery of novel policies and practices that can improve prevention and management..

Strategic Objectives

Objective	Aim 1	Aim 2	Aim 3	Aim 4
Establish an engaged community of researchers across Departments and Centers to exchange research ideas and form new interdisciplinary connections, positioning this community to respond strategically, rapidly and successfully to research funding opportunities.
Define and implement an 'ISRI affiliation' to generate a sense of 'ownership' of ISRI by the University community, raising visibility of ISRI researchers and helping create a brand.
Support development of funding bids to carry out invasion science research and training, with a specific focus on larger, interdisciplinary projects.
Proactively horizon scan for emerging research areas and potential funding streams to support work in these areas.
Scope and form active relationships with key local, national and international partners (academic and non-academic).
Support university engagement with key funders in invasion science research and training to both influence funder policy and ensure communication of funder strategy to UF researchers.
Identify and support participation in international and national networks relevant to ISRI's strategy and focus.
Develop, maintain and promote an open access portfolio of outputs aimed at translating research for policymakers, businesses, NGOs etc in line with end user needs.
Develop and promote a program of events to showcase science and engage with research community.
Facilitate the development of key strategy papers (perspectives, reviews, whitepapers) to influence research and funding agendas.
Catalyse new opportunities for graduate training to provide students with experience of interdisciplinary working in invasion science.
Establish a network with supporting, member-driven activities and resources open to all grad student/postdoctoral researchers working in invasion science.
Develop and maintain a website to promote ISRI’s purpose and activity to internal and external audiences, highlighting a portfolio of Invasion Science projects and researchers from all career stages.
Explore and support activity around communication of Invasive Species research to the public
Facilitate opportunities for ISRI researchers to engage in significant national and international platforms, supporting communications around their participation.

Our Mission & Values

Our mission

To facilitate interdisciplinary research that advances our understanding of the causes and consequences of invasive species; generates innovative approaches to reduce invasions and their impacts on natural, agricultural, and urban systems; and train the next generation of invasion scientists.

Our values

Collaboration and Partnership

Excellence

Inclusivity and Empathy

Impact

Invasion Science Research Institute

Invasion Science Research Institute