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Forest Invasion Synthesis Centre

Invasive species are among the greatest threats to forest ecosystems today. They disrupt biodiversity, livelihoods and economies. At the Forest Invasion Synthesis Centre Prague (FISC) we investigate ecological and socio-economic aspects of invasions by plants, insects and pathogens in forest ecosystems. We apply a synthesis center model to integrate field data, global datasets, and models to clarify risks and inform decisions. We translate scientific evidence into actionable insights for managers and policymakers — protecting forests and the people who rely on them.

New Interview Out Now

Our Chief Scientist Andrew Liebhold talks about his move from the US to Europe, sharing his story and his views on attracting global research talent to Europe.

Interested in joining us?

Together we can turn research into solutions — for healthier, more resilient forests. Find out more about how you can get involved at FISC.

Experts on FISC

Connecting data, researchers and practice. Leading forest invasion scientists explain why FISC and the model of synthesis centers matter.

What’s happening

Latest news

21.10.2025

In the Spotlight: New Interview with Andrew Liebhold Out Now

FISC in Media
A new interview with our Chief Scientist Andrew Liebhold has just been published. He speaks about his move from the US to Europe and shares his perspective on strengthening research links across continents. Liebhold also highlights how Europe can attract top scientific talent in times of global change.
26.09.2025

FISC Contributes to the Brussels Research & Innovation Conference

Conference
Our scientific leader Dr. Andrew Liebhold shared in Brussels his experiences as a scientist transitioning from the US to Europe and provided an overview of the work at FISC.
26.09.2025

FISC at the EFI Annual Conference 2025

Conference
FISC joined the EFI Annual Conference 2025 hosted by the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences. It was a truly inspiring event and we would like to thank our colleagues at FLD for the excellent organization and the opportunity to share our work!
About FISC

Advancing Global Understanding of Forest Invasions

The Forest Invasion Synthesis Centre, Prague (FISC) at the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague advances the understanding of biological invasions in forests. Its mission is to establish a leading research group, strengthen capacity in invasion ecology, and foster innovation. The centre is led by Dr. Andrew M. Liebhold, a globally recognized leader in forest invasion science.

Advancing Global Understanding of Forest Invasions
Advancing Global Understanding of Forest Invasions
At FISC, we aim to apply the most efficient scientific methods to maximize the value of existing data. By synthesizing global evidence and fostering collaboration, we seek to accelerate discovery and produce high-impact results that inform real-world forest management and policy.
Andrew "Sandy" M. Liebhold, Ph.D.

Andrew "Sandy" M. Liebhold, Ph.D.

Having spent most of his career as a research scientist in the USA, Liiebhold has joined the Czech University of Life Sciences in Prague to lead its newly established Forest Invasion Synthesis Centre and to advance cutting-edge research on forest ecosystems. The Centre has assembled an interdisciplinary team to conduct research and facilitate synthesis research on various aspects of biological invasions in forests.


  • Strong record of research on forest insect population ecology and biological invasions
  • Long history of international collaboration and leadership in the International Union of Forest Research Organizations
  • Extensive experience organizing and participating in working groups at synthesis centres such as NCEAS, SESYNC and NIMBios
Featured Outputs

Research

The known unknowns in international border interceptions of non-native insects.

Turner, R.M., Liebhold, A.M., Nahrung, H.F., Phillips, C.B., Yamanaka, T. & Brockerhoff, E.G.

Island biogeography theory and the assembly patterns of native versus non-native forest insects.

Mech, A.M., Liebhold, A.M., Trombik, J., Björkman, C., Gandhi, K.J.K., Lyytikäinen-Saarenmaa, P., Pureswaran, D.S., Synek, J., Klapwijk, M.J.
Conferences & meetings

Upcoming events

There are currently no internal events planned.
What are we planning?

Event calendar

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Join our team

How can you get involved?

We welcome ideas and initiative. Even if no position is currently open, feel free to send us your CV and a short note about your interests. We´re also excited about connecting research with practice and collaborating across disciplines. Get in touch – great ideas often start with a simple conversation.

Join our core team

Become part of an international group advancing forest invasion research. Work closely with leading experts, shape new ideas, and contribute to real-world impact.

Join our working group

Collaborate with researchers and practitioners across disciplines. Our working groups tackle key questions in forest invasions—your expertise and ideas are welcome.

Suggest new working group

Have a research idea you’d like to develop? Suggest a new working group and bring together people with shared interests to tackle emerging challenges in forest invasions.

Got another idea?

Thinking of a different way to collaborate? Whether it’s outreach, data sharing, or joint projects—we’d love to hear from you and explore the possibilities.

Project HIVE 101187384. Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.