Contacts

About FISC

  • Forest Invasion Synthesis Centre, Prague
What we do

Summary

The Forest Invasion Synthesis Centre Prague (FISC) is an international research hub dedicated to understanding and addressing biological invasions in forest ecosystems.

The centre is led by Dr. Andrew “Sandy” Liebhold, a leading scientist studying biological invasions in forests. Liebhold’s experience and perspective shape the centre’s scientific direction and ensure that FISC’s work addresses both global challenges and real-world needs.

Summary
Summary
We already have much of the knowledge we need to manage forest invasions. The challenge is bringing it together and putting it into practice.
- Dr. Andrew „Sandy“ M. Liebhold

FISC is hosted by the Faculty of Forestry and Wood Sciences at the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague (CZU), providing a strong academic foundation and access to a vibrant scientific community. The project is funded through the Horizon Europe programme.

Our priorities

Key objectives

Our work at the Forest Invasion Synthesis Centre, Prague (FISC) is guided by three interconnected objectives. Each addresses a different dimension of the challenge — from advancing scientific knowledge, to building stronger research institutions, to engaging society in protecting forests.

1. Forest invasions research

  • Integrate knowledge from ecology, entomology, economy, data and social sciences, and other disciplines.
  • Identify global patterns, drivers, and impacts of forest invasions.
  • Develop evidence-based strategies for prevention, management, and mitigation.

2. Replicable institutional changes

  • Implement innovative institutional practices that strengthen scientific excellence at CZU.
  • Serve as a model for other research institutions, especially in EU widening countries.
  • Improve research quality and visibility.
  • Build and strengthen scientific networks across Europe and internationally.

3. Science popularisation and awareness

  • Raise awareness of forest invasions among the public and stakeholders.
  • Promote science-based solutions in accessible formats.
Our approach

How we work

A synthesis centre approach

At FISC, synthesis is not just in our name — it is the foundation of how we work. Synthesis centre is a model designed to bring together data, theories, and expertise to create new insights that no single discipline could achieve alone. This model connects researchers from across fields, encourages innovative thinking, and accelerates the development of solutions to complex environmental challenges.

Benefits of synthesis centres

  • Encourage deep interdisciplinary collaboration.
  • Make use of existing data in new and more powerful ways.
  • Create an environment where theory, empirical research, and practical experience meet.
  • Deliver results that can directly inform policy and management.

Core team

FISC’s activities are coordinated by a dedicated core team (meet the team), which provides scientific leadership, administration, and long-term strategic direction.

Working groups

A significant part of our work takes place in working groups (learn more) — small, interdisciplinary teams of scientists from around the world. They meet intensively over a set period to tackle specific research questions and produce high-impact results.

Join us
Interested in collaborating with FISC?
Would you like to join our core team? Become part of a working group? Or propose another way to work with us? We welcome all ideas.
Get in touch

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 | 2025