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Non-native Species Secretariat Non-native Species Secretariat Logo

Non-native species information portal

Research

Research is a key area in relation to invasive non-native species. It is vital that we underpin policy with a strong evidence base and research outputs help to inform risk assessment, surveillance, detection, monitoring, control and eradication strategies. Applied research is particularly important to help inform and refine control methods as well as for assessing the feasibility of, for example, eradication attempts. Feasibility studies, often involving modelling, are a key tool for assessing the likely costs and probability of success for larger-scale control or eradication efforts. Research could also provide technological or biological control solutions to help address problems that have hitherto seemed intractable.

The non-native species policy review group considered research priorities and the Monitoring and Risk Assessment Sub-Group produced a list of research needs. More recently, the UK Biodiversity Research Advisory Group (UK BRAG) non-native sub-group has listed a series of research priorities for non-native species for the UK.

GB INNS Evidence Strategic Plan

A working group was established in 2018, chaired by Defra, with the aim of agreeing a strategic plan which includes an identification of key evidence needs, agreeing mechanisms for reviewing these and for promoting optimal interaction with research providers and researchers. 

The strategic plan is aimed at researchers, research funders and end users of research. 

View the GB INNS Evidence Strategic Plan PDF HTML.

Current non-native species research projects

Contact us to add your research project here.

Understanding the drivers and ecological impacts of newt invasion in the UK

Project Description: This PhD research project is utilising approaches from spatial, population and molecular ecology as well as the social sciences to understand the drivers and ecological consequences of alpine newt invasion in the UK.

  • Lead Organisation: University of Plymouth
  • Contact: email project lead 
  • Other organisations involved: Institute of Zoology (ZSL) & Amphibian & Reptile Conservation Trust
  • Start / end date: 01/10/2019 - 30/06/2023
  • Type of project: research, education / awareness, monitoring / survey
  • Species involved: Alpine newt Ichthyosaura alpestris