Tackling current challenges in ecology: novel tools and technologies – applications to invasion science
Event
Biological invasions are a critical driver of environmental change and biodiversity loss. In a globalised world, managing invasive alien species requires robust monitoring systems, predictive modelling approaches, and clear indicators to support adaptive and evidence-based decision-making. This advanced course explores practical applications of: Remote Sensing and Earth Observation; Static and Dynamic Modelling Approaches; Ecological Indicators; Economic approaches for Management. Participants will engage in both theoretical and practical sessions, learning from leading researchers about innovative solutions and their applications across different spatial-temporal contexts.
July 06th, 2026
BIOPOLIS-CIBIO, Vairão, Portugal (Face-to-face)
Biological invasions are a critical driver of environmental change and biodiversity loss. In a globalised world, managing invasive alien species requires robust monitoring systems, predictive modelling approaches, and clear indicators to support adaptive and evidence-based decision-making. This advanced course explores practical applications of: Remote Sensing and Earth Observation; Static and Dynamic Modelling Approaches; Ecological Indicators; Economic approaches for Management. Participants will engage in both theoretical and practical sessions, learning from leading researchers about innovative solutions and their applications across different spatial-temporal contexts.
PROGRAM
Key Areas Covered:
1. Remote Sensing and Earth Observation:
Using satellite imagery to detect, map, and monitor biological invasions.
Integrating remote sensing data for real-time monitoring.
Using UAVs to collect data.
2. Modelling Invasive Species Distributions:
Static approaches – Habitat Suitability Models
Predicting current and future distributions of invasive species
3. Modelling Invasive Species Dynamics
Dynamic and hybrid modelling approaches
Stochastic Dynamic Methodology (StDM)
Simulating invasion trajectories and management scenarios
4. Indicators for Management and Reporting
State, pressure and response indicators
Selecting and evaluating indicators
Linking models to indicators
5. Management of Invasive Species
Economic tools
This course is timely and novel, focusing on the intersection of advanced quantitative and spatial tools and invasive species management. It addresses the pressing need for innovative and scalable solutions in a globalised world where biological invasions pose increasing threats to ecosystems, economies, and human health. The course aims to provide participants with the knowledge and practical skills needed to develop and implement effective management strategies, thereby contributing to ongoing and future projects in this critical field.
Day 1
[Morning - Economics of invasive species]
Lectures
[Afternoon - Economics of invasive species]
Practical Session
Day 2
[Morning - Remote Sensing and Earth Observation]
Lecture: Down on earth and up in the sky – applications of satellite and UAV very-high resolution imagery for invasion mapping and surveying
Practical Session (PART I) – Aerophotogrammetry using UAV’s for remote sensing of plant invaded sites - field session
[Afternoon - Remote Sensing and Earth Observation]
Practical Session (PART I) – Aerophotogrammetry using UAV’s for remote sensing of plant invaded sites - room session
Day 3
[Morning – Habitat Distribution Models]
Lecture: Introduction to Habitat Suitability Models
[Afternoon – Habitat Distribution Models Applications]
Practical Session: Spatial modelling of ecological niches and conflicts between invasive alien and rare species
Day 4
[Morning – Indicators and dynamic models]
Lecture: Indicators for Management and Reporting
Lecture: The Stochastic Dynamic Methodology (StDM)
[Afternoon – Dynamic modelling tools]
Practical Session: StDM modelling development and applications
CALENDAR
4 days - 24 hours - Schedule: 10:00 - 13:00 & 14:00 - 17:00
COURSE INSTRUCTORS
Coordination
Joana Vicente | BIOPOLIS-CIBIO
Nicolas Quérou | CEE-M (Montpellier)
Instructors
Pierre Courtois | CEE-M (Montpellier)
Renato Henriques | Institute of Earth Sciences – University of Minho
João Gonçalves | BIOPOLIS-CIBIO
Nuno Mouta | BIOPOLIS-CIBIO
Eva Pinto | BIOPOLIS-CIBIO
Cristina Lima | BIOPOLIS-CIBIO
Patrícia Pinto | BIOPOLIS-CIBIO
Eva Pinto | BIOPOLIS-CIBIO
Cristina Lima | BIOPOLIS-CIBIO
Patrícia Pinto | BIOPOLIS-CIBIO
SELECTION CRITERIA
The course will be open to a maximum number of 15 participants.
75% of available student slots are reserved for BIODIV students.
Priority will be given to:
• 1st year and other PhD students attending the BIODIV Doctoral Program;
• PhD students attending other courses;
• Other post-graduate students and researchers.
(A minimum number of participants is required for the course to take place)
APPLICATION
Deadline: 22 May 2026
To apply fill the FORM
A copy of your submitted form will be sent to the email address you provided. This email is your confirmation that the application was successfully submitted.
If you don't receive this email, your application was not successfully submitted.
We will email you the results within 10 working days after the application deadline.
REGISTRATION
95€ (students) | 200€ (other participants).
BIOPOLIS/ CIBIO members will have an additional discount of 20%.
Participation is free of charge for BIODIV Students (M BGE & PhD) & CIBIO's TwinLabs members.
(If applicable, payment will be made to Associação BIOPOLIS - VAT No. 516033727. Information on the payment amount and the payment deadline will be sent together with the results notification, and a proforma invoice may be issued in due time).
MORE INFORMATION
Registration fees do not include accommodation or meals.
No ECTS credits are awarded for attending the course. Participants receive a certificate of attendance without quantitative evaluation.
CONTACT
Education & Training Unit (Post graduation office)
+351 252 660 425