News | FISC

21.07.2026

Emerald ash borer confirmed in Hungary, suspected in Slovakia

Forestry

The emerald ash borer (EAB), Agrilus planipennis, is the most destructive forest pest to have invaded North America this century and now has been discovered for the first time in the European Union. It is expected to cause widespread and rapid death of ash trees (Fraxinus spp.) in both natural and urban European forests.

17.06.2026

Rain Did Not Stop Us. FISC Joined BioBlitz 2026

Despite rainy weather, the FISC BioBlitz walk brought together participants for careful mapping of invasive species around ČZU. During the walk, we recorded 6 of the 16 mapped species. This year’s BioBlitz recorded 868 observations from 25 species, with 161 people taking part.

10.06.2026

New Czech–Swiss collaboration to address non-native and invasive species in changing forests

Forestry

Network

A new project brings together experts from the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague and the Swiss Federal Institute for Forest, Snow and Landscape Research (WSL). It will focus on the risks and opportunities associated with non-native species in forestry and develop evidence-based recommendations for their responsible use and management.

26.05.2026

International researchers meet at FISC to study non-native tree growth

Network

Researchers are gathering in Prague this week for the FISC Working Group “Global patterns of growth of native and non-native trees.” Led by Martín Núñez, the group explores why some tree species grow substantially faster in their non-native ranges than in the regions where they originated.

11.05.2026

FISC launches a new quarterly newsletter

FISC has launched a new quarterly newsletter for the international research community. The newsletter features research highlights, Working Group updates, upcoming events, and opportunities to get involved in collaborative synthesis projects focused on biological invasions in forests.

27.03.2026

Workshop on invasive species in Iceland highlights need for stronger biosecurity and coordination

The workshop “Alien Species in Iceland”, organised by Laura A. Meyerson (FISC core team), brought together over 80 participants to address invasive species challenges. Discussions highlighted pathways, impacts, and the need for stronger biosecurity, research, and coordination.

29.01.2026

Pinewood Nematode Detected in France

The pinewood nematode has been detected in France for the first time, marking a significant expansion of this invasive forest pest in Europe. The outbreak was confirmed at the southern edge of the Landes Forest (southwestern France), triggering immediate eradication measures and intensified scientific surveillance.

05.01.2026

Looking ahead to 2026

A new year brings new ideas. At Forest Invasion Synthesis Centre, Prague, we enter 2026 continuing our work on forest invasions. We are looking forward to welcoming new colleagues and to preparing a new working group, and to the exchanges and collaborations the year ahead may bring. Follow us and stay connected.

19.12.2025

Magic Spreads Freely. Happy Holidays!

At FISC, we study invasions, pathways and impacts. At Christmas, we allow one exception: magic spreads freely. We would like to sincerely thank all our colleagues, partners, supporters and friends for their trust, collaboration and inspiration throughout the year. Your ideas, commitment and shared curiosity are what make FISC a truly international and collaborative scientific centre. We wish you peaceful and joyful holidays, and a New Year full of good ideas and exciting discoveries.

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