University Stellenbosch

The Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) and National Research Foundation (NRF) Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology or Centre for Invasion Biology (C·I·B) has its headquarters at Stellenbosch University and is considered to be the world’s most productive research and training unit in the field of invasion science. The Centre was set up in 2004 to do research on invasion science, a branch of science that addresses the causes and consequences of introducing organisms to new environments. It asks questions about why some species persist and spread unaided, often to the detriment of native species and invaded ecosystems. The C·I·B addresses topics such as biodiversity conservation and environmental change, but also cuts through issues such as human health, water provision, food security, tourism, job creation, agricultural economics and the habitability of certain parts of the earth. The Centre is busy converting to a Stellenbosch University supported institute and contributions from the DSI/NRF are being phased out. The newly positioned C·I·B will continue spearheading the development of indicators for assessing the status of invasions and of management initiatives in addressing problems associated with biological invasions. The C·I·B will also continue to a) publish world-class research outputs in top journals to ensure international benchmarking of research, b) convene training workshops and conferences on subjects relevant to our partners, c) contribute to all national policies and legislation pertaining to invasive species, d) maintain and grow its strong national, continental and global networks to support research, training and policy development and e) maintain its partnerships with government agencies, for example the Department of Environment, Forestry and Fisheries and its affiliates, the South African National Biodiversity Institute and the Working for Water Programme.

For more information refer to https://blogs.sun.ac.za/cib/.