Invasion science for society : a decade of contributions from the Centre for Invasion Biology
Date
2014
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Academy of Science of South Africa
Abstract
Biological invasions are a growing problem worldwide. In 2004, the South African Department of Science
and Technology, through the National Research Foundation, established a Centre of Excellence for Invasion
Biology, with the primary goal of providing scientific understanding and building capacity in the field of
biological invasions. South Africa is an extraordinary natural laboratory for the study of biological invasions,
and the Centre for Invasion Biology (C·I·B) has capitalised on this situation. During its first decade, the C·I·B
generated over 800 publications, and produced almost 200 graduates at honours, master’s and doctoral
levels. The C·I·B has therefore made a considerable contribution to building human capacity in the field of
biological invasions. Substantial advances have been made in all aspects of invasion science, which is not
limited to biology and ecology, but includes history, sociology, economics and management. The knowledge
generated by the C·I·B has been used to inform policy and improve management practices at national and
local levels. The C·I·B has emerged as a leading institute in the global field of invasion biology, with several
unique features that differentiate it from similar research institutes elsewhere. These features include a broad
research focus that embraces environmental, social and economic facets, leading to a diverse research
programme that has produced many integrated products; an extensive network of researchers with diverse
interests, spread over a wide geographical range; and the production of policy- and management-relevant
research products arising from the engaged nature of research conducted by the C∙I∙B.
Description
CITATION: van Wilgen, B. W., Davies, S. J. & Richardson, D. M. 2014. Invasion science for society : a decade of contributions from the Centre for Invasion Biology. South African Journal of Science, 10(7-8): 1-12, doi: 10.1590/sajs.2014/a0074.
The original publication is available at http://www.sajs.co.za
The original publication is available at http://www.sajs.co.za
Keywords
Invasive alien species, Invasive biology -- Research, Centres of Excellence for Invasion Biology, Centre for Invasion Biology -- Research strategy
Citation
van Wilgen, B. W., Davies, S. J. & Richardson, D. M. 2014. Invasion science for society : a decade of contributions from the Centre for Invasion Biology. South African Journal of Science, 10(7-8): 1-12, doi: 10.1590/sajs.2014/a0074