Workshop: Detection and Prevention of biological invasions: A major challenge for human societies and biodiversity conservation
University of Southampton, United Kingdom in partnership with Chinese Academy of Sciences, China
Supported by the ‘Newton Fund Researcher Links’ Programme
UK coordinator: Dr Marc Rius, University of Southampton Chinese coordinator. Prof Aibin Zhan, Chinese Academy of Sciences
UK mentors: Prof Gary Carvalho (Bangor University), Dr David Aldridge (University of Cambridge) Chinese mentors: Prof Fanghao Wan (Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences), Prof Xin Zhou (Beijing Genomics Institute)
Date and Location
14-16 August 2017
Venue: National Oceanography Centre Southampton, UK
Background
Invasive species have widespread impacts on human activities, resulting in huge looses for the global economy. These impacts are especially worrying in economically disadvantaged regions as essential activities such as agriculture and aquaculture are particularly vulnerable to outbreaks of invasive species. In addition, biological invasions pose a serious threat for the preservation of biodiversity.
Studies have shown that the earlier the introduction of invasive species is detected, the more cost-effective and quicker it is to mitigate or eradicate it. Therefore the development of early detection methods is key for the management of native communities and sustainable economic growth.
The rapid development of modern genetic techniques has recently revolutionised the study of intrinsic attributes of biological invasions. Novel genetic tools provide an unparalleled method for detecting invasive species, which can be coupled with prevention measures.
As part of this programme, we are now recruiting Early Career Researchers to participate in the above Workshop.
The Workshop will provide a unique opportunity for sharing research expertise and networking. During the Workshop early career researchers will have the opportunity to present their research in the form of short oral presentations and discuss this with established researchers from the UK and partner countries. There will be a focus on building up links for future collaborations, and participants will be selected on the basis of their research potential and ability to build longer term links.
The British Council and the National Natural Sciences Foundation of China will cover the costs related to the participation to the Workshop, including: travel, accommodation and meals.
OBJECTIVES
This three-day workshop will be held in the National Oceanography Centre Southampton, United Kingdom, aimed at early career researchers from the UK and China. This workshop will bring together global experts on the study biological invasions to discuss ways to minimise the environmental and economic impacts of invasive species in heavily affected countries such as China.
The final objective is to promote collaborations that will enhance the use of newly developed genetic tools to detect and prevent the establishment of invasive species.
Eligibility Criteria
Applications must be submitted using the Researcher Links Application Form.
Applications must be submitted before the above deadline.
Participants must be Early Career Researchers: Early Career Researchers are defined as holding a PhD (or having equivalent research experience) and having a maximum of up to ten years post-PhD research experience. Participants must have a research or recognized research institution post, research contract, or fellowship) at a recognized institution either in the UK or China.
Please note that participants are expected to attend all sessions of the Workshop.
Application and Deadline
The full application must be completed and submitted by Wednesday 31 May 2017. Please dowload the application form below.
Please send your application to soes@soton.ac.uk and enter ‘Biological invasions workshop’ in the email subject line.
Equal Opportunities
Wherever possible, gender balance and diversity will be sought in the selection of candidates, and extra support to enable participation of Early Career Researchers with special needs will be given.