Art & Science: Franz Essl

A Hitchhiker`s Guide to biological Invasions world-wide

The transport of plants and animals around the world has become a defining feature of global environmental change. Many of these species become established outside their native ranges, and some of them impact on species diversity, change ecosystems and communities, and have direct conseqiences for human livelihoods and health.
In my talk, I will provide a synthesis of the phenomenon of biological invasions. I will highlight underlying causes, will present new scientific insights, and will discuss societal implications.

Franz Essl is an Ecologist working at the University Vienna and the Environment Agency Austria. His main research interest is on improving the understanding of global environmental change and its consequences for biodiversity and human society. He has published >100 scientific papers including in high-profile journals such as Nature and Science, has written several text books, and has a strong committment to public outreach.