RESEARCH: Bid to boost exchange of invasive species knowledge

Posted 2 February 2010

Watch the video on our YouTube channel.

Researchers at Harper Adams University College are investigating the use of scientific methods to collate data about the control of invasive species and in-turn, improve knowledge transfer.

Invasive species are those that have been introduced into a new area and then cause economic and environmental problems, high profile examples of this in the UK include grey squirrels and Japanese knotweed.

With increasing amounts of research being produced on this subject, it is not always possible for practitioners, policy makers and researchers to keep abreast of information.

Postgraduate research student, Helen Bayliss, said: “We’re looking at ways in which this information can be put together into a useful and accessible source.

“One of these methods is systematic review. This is a scientific method of collating data from across studies and we’re looking at this in context with other methods for research synthesis, to see which one will provide the best information.

“So far we have undertaken a pilot study in the UK to see which sources are used in the invasive species community and our preliminary studies have shown that there are differences in the sources used by the different groups.”

Helen is now hoping to develop an international online survey to find out more information on a global scale and identify larger trends. She hopes that this will help to pinpoint future improvements to increase knowledge transfer between the different sectors.

Helen added: “Hopefully by improving the way in which research is communicated and the accessibility of findings and information, we can make it more accessible to the people that really need the information.

“This in-turn will have a knock-on effect by improving food security, reducing costs to industry and also reducing the threat to human welfare and wellbeing.”