Contacts

Forest Invasion Synthesis Centre, Prague

Invasive species are among the greatest threats to forest ecosystems today, disrupting biodiversity, livelihoods and economies. Based at the Czech University of Life Sciences, Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences — an inspiring academic environment we are proud to be part of — 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.

Don’t miss

FISC Talk Ana Novoa | 15 October, 10:00
Human dimensions of biological invasions – followed by an Informal Open Coffee Break with Michael Wingfield’s Working Group.

LEARN MORE
FISC Trains: Lost in Translation

9 November 2026 | 9:00–12:15

Join our interactive workshop and discover how to avoid misunderstandings and communicate better in multicultural teams.

REGISTER HERE
Experts on FISC

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

About us
Don’t miss

FISC Talk Ana Novoa | 15 October, 10:00
Human dimensions of biological invasions – followed by an Informal Open Coffee Break with Michael Wingfield’s Working Group.

LEARN MORE
FISC Trains: Lost in Translation

9 November 2026 | 9:00–12:15

Join our interactive workshop and discover how to avoid misunderstandings and communicate better in multicultural teams.

REGISTER HERE
Experts on FISC

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

About us
What’s happening

Latest news

IFQRG Meeting in pictures. A week of discussion and collaboration at FISC
05.10.2026

IFQRG Meeting in pictures. A week of discussion and collaboration at FISC

Conference
Presentations, discussions, coffee-break conversations and moments in between. Take a look back at the IFQRG Meeting at FISC through our photo gallery.
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FISC hosts international IFQRG meeting in Prague
28.09.2026

FISC hosts international IFQRG meeting in Prague

From 28 September to 2 October 2026, researchers and experts from several countries are meeting in Prague to discuss current challenges in forest quarantine, phytosanitary measures and international research supporting the protection of forests from invasive pests.
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FISC at NeoBiota 2026
07.09.2026

FISC at NeoBiota 2026

Conference
NeoBiota 2026 brings the international biological invasions community to Brussels from 7–11 September. FISC is represented by seven researchers across the programme, including keynote speaker Laura A. Meyerson and Richard Mally.
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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.
Explore Outputs
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.

Core team
  • 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

Density-dependent and density-independent effects on outbreak dynamics in an invasive forest insect.

Villacide, J., Liebhold, A., Cavigliasso, P., & Corley, J.

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.
Conferences & meetings

Upcoming events

FISC Trains: Lost In Translation Aka Surviving Multicultural Meetings Without Losing Your Mind
09.11.2026

FISC Trains: Lost In Translation Aka Surviving Multicultural Meetings Without Losing Your Mind

Same meeting, different takeaways? Join Klara ten Donkelaar for an interactive workshop on communicating across cultures in international project teams. Explore practical ways to avoid misunderstandings, build trust and handle tensions. 9 November, 9:00–12:15. Register by 21 October; max. 15 participants.

Event detail
What are we planning?

Event calendar

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.

See open positions

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.

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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.

Discover Research Ideas

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.

Send suggestion

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.

© Copyright FISC | Forest Invasion Synthesis Centre, Prague | 2026