Theme 1: Advancing Global Biosecurity Policy
Biosecurity and industry in partnership
Chaired by Dr Andrew Graham – Quarantine Manager at Chevron Australia Pty Ltd, Australia
This session explores the successful implementation of the biosecurity continuum in industry, covering aspects from awareness and training to control and innovation. It aims to share learnings across industry, government, agriculture, and research institutes, discussing both successes and failures in implementing biosecurity measures. The session will identify opportunities to transfer effective biosecurity practices and innovations across sectors, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange to enhance overall biosecurity efforts in various industrial and agricultural contexts.
Invasive insect pests: Bridging science and policy for effective management
Chaired by Associate Professor Wei Xu – Associate Professor at Murdoch University, Australia
This session explores the following topics:
- Bridging Science and Policy
- Future Directions: Toward Sustainable and Resilient Management Practices
- Impact of Invasive Insect Pests on Ecosystems and Economies
- Innovative Control Methods and Management Strategies
- Advances in Detection and Monitoring of Invasive Insect Pests
Quantitative assessment and predictive modelling of economic impacts resulting from biological invasions
Chaired by Yi-Bo Zhang
Surveillance and response at international borders
Chaired by Gabrielle Vivian Smith and Dr Aaron Maxwell
This session looks at the complexities and realities of biosecurity surveillance and response across political and geographical borders with lessons for driving successful biosecurity management outcomes through cross-border collaboration.
Transboundary animal diseases
Chair to be announced in due course
This session looks at the complexities and realities of managing biosecurity across political and geographical borders with lessons for driving successful biosecurity management outcomes through cross-border collaboration.
Securing Global Trade Pathways: Policy innovations and governance to reduce invasive species movement
Co-chaired by Leigh Greenwood, The Nature Conservancy and Andrew Cox, Invasives International
Global trade pathways are primary vectors for biological invasions. This session explores effective global policies to manage high-risk pathways at the source. We invite abstract proposals examining policy innovations, international standards and regulatory frameworks across key vectors, including sea and air containers, marine biofouling, wood packaging and dunnage, e-commerce small parcels and letters, and the live pet, aquarium and plant trades. This session aims to highlight scalable governance solutions that protect global ecosystems
Theme 2: Addressing the Impact of Climate Change on Biosecurity Threats
Adapting to future threats: Integrating climate change into invasive species risk assessment
Chair Professor Darren Kriticos – Cervantes Agritech, Australia, and Dr Alan Macleod – Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA), United Kingdom
Prof Kriticos and Dr MacLeod co-lead this session which is designed to investigate and share recent developments in the integration of climate change into invasive species risk assessments. It will equip participants with the knowledge of when it is appropriate to include climate change in invasive species risk assessments and of the tools needed to effectively integrate climate change into such assessments, enabling them to better gauge current and emerging threats from invasive species, and to prepare for, and mitigate, these threats.
Rising pestilence in quiescent non-native species – Risks and management in a changing world
Chaired by Dr Deepa Pureswaran – Research Scientist at Canadian Forest Service, Canada
The session explores emerging pest issues in established non-native species across different geographic regions. Speakers from various career stages will discuss non-native insects and pathogens that are increasing in virulence or expanding their range. Presentations will cover introduction pathways, historical ecological contexts, current impacts, management strategies, and future predictions for these evolving pest populations.
Theme 3: First Nations in Biosecurity Management
First Nations people in biosecurity management and surveillance
Chair to be announced in due course
The session explores the ways that First Nations people are becoming engaged and involved in invasive species management and surveillance across the world.
Indigenous science strengthening biosecurity
Chaired by Dr Geoff Pegg – Senior Principal Forest Pathologist at the Queensland Department of Primary Industries (Queensland), Adrian Bauwens – Bunya Peoples Aboriginal Corporation Ranger, and Aj Perkins – Senior Project Officer at the Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (New South Wales)
This session discusses the ways two-way science, knowledge sharing between Western science and Indigenous knowledges, has been utilised to strengthen biosecurity management.
Theme 4: Citizen Science Engagement for Effective Invasive Species Management
Citizen science contributions to biological invasions
Chaired by Dr Andrew Turley – Analyst at CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation), Australia
Topics include:
- Participatory approaches and tools for community engagement in biological invasion research and management
- Research using citizen science data for anomaly detection and spread dynamics
- Value of citizen science as a complementary information source
- Benefits of engaging a broader cohort in biological invasion research and management
These themes explore community involvement, data collection methods, and the advantages of citizen participation in studying and managing biological invasions.
Motivating people to act – social license and land manager participation
Chaired by Associate Professor Tim Kurz – Associate Professor in the School of Psychological Science, The University of Western Australia
Strengthening biosecurity through effective stakeholder engagement
Chaired by Dr Jessica Bikaun – Research Scientist at Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia
The presentations cover six themes:
- Stakeholder engagement in biosecurity preparedness and response
- Stakeholder engagement in biosecurity preparedness and response
- Applying behavioral science to encourage proactive biosecurity behaviors
- Effective science communication strategies for biosecurity
- Biosecurity partnerships with First Nations peoples
- Challenges and solutions in stakeholder engagement for biological invasion management.
These themes explore various aspects of stakeholder involvement, communication strategies, and technological innovations in biosecurity efforts.
Theme 5: Technological Advancements in Pest and Pathogen Management
Classical biological control solutions
Chaired by Dr Bruce Webber – Executive Manager, Science and Conservation at Bush Heritage Australia
Classical biological control continues to deliver significant returns on investment for the management of widely dispersed non-native invasive species. Recent advances in genetic biological control are likely to further improve the range of control methods available. The session will highlight recent advancements in methodology and share progress against key species using both classical and genetic biological control methods. The objective of this session will be to highlight recent successes and showcase opportunities for future collaborations across organisations and countries.
Genetic biological control solutions
Chaired by Professor Max Scott – Professor in the Entomology and Plant Pathology Department at North Carolina State University (USA.)
This session focuses on genetic control strategies for pest management, inviting presentations that showcase innovative approaches and field applications. Topics include sterile insect techniques, Wolbachia-based and synthetic biology methods, genomics and transcriptomics studies, target gene identification, and regulatory considerations. We aim to stimulate discussions on the practical implementation of these technologies, exploring their potential impact on pest control and the challenges of field deployment. Join us to explore cutting-edge genetic control strategies and their real-world applications.
Genomic tools for biosecurity and invasion management
Chaired by Dr Wee Tek Tay – Principal Research Scientist at CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation), Australia
Increasingly, global biosecurity preparedness and post incursion pest and pathogen mitigation strategies are shifting from single or limited mitochondrial and nuclear markers to genome-wide markers, with the whole genome sequencing approach over turning interpretations of introduction pathways based on single/limited marker systems, identifying biosecurity hotspots, enabling development of novel genetic and biological control strategies, and interpretation of population connectedness at national, regional and global scales. This session will provide the platform to showcase genomic advances by international research communities to address emerging and global priority plant pests and diseases.
Innovative technologies for protecting trees: Monitoring and responding to biosecurity threats
Chaired by Dr Paul Barber, Managing Director of Arbor Carbon.
The suggested topics are:
- Airborne remote sensing for monitoring tree health
- AI and machine learning for early detection of tree pests and diseases
- Integrating field data with remote sensing
- Novel management techniques for eradication
- The role of government and industry in biosecurity innovation
- Smart sensors and IOT: Real-time monitoring
Pre and post border treatments
Chaired by Dr Bob Du – Senior Lecturer and Lab Manager at Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Australia
This session brings together researchers, policymakers, regulators, and industry practitioners working across the full spectrum of pre- and post-border biosecurity management, encompassing offshore risk mitigation, early diagnosis and surveillance, and treatment and containment strategies for pest incursions. Speakers will showcase the latest advances in pest risk mitigation, surveillance, early detection, and the application of treatment and containment measures to support safe trade and protect agricultural and natural ecosystems.
Role of AI in biosecurity
Chaired by Professor Hamid Laga – Professor of Information Technology at Murdoch University, Australia
The session explores the increasing role of artificial intelligence in biosecurity.
Surveillance for invasive environmental pests and pathogens
Chaired by Dr Angus Carnegie – Senior Principal Research Scientist / Leader Forest Science at NSW Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Australia
This session invites presentations on the following topics:
- National forest biosecurity surveillance programs
- Global sentinel tree surveillance programs
- Citizen science programs for detecting and reporting exotic pests and pathogens
- Diagnostics to underpin biosecurity surveillance
- Emerging technologies for biosecurity surveillance, including eDNA and remote sensing + AI
- Pathway risk analysis to optimise early-detection surveillance
Theme 6: The Ecology and Evolution of Invaders
Biological invasions and biosecurity in the urban environment
Chaired by Professor Brett Summerell AM – Chief Scientist at Botanic Gardens of Sydney, Australia, and Dr Trudy Paap – Research Fellow at the University of Pretoria, South Africa
Urban environments are often the first point of contact for newly arrived alien species into a country or ecosystem. As such they provide opportunities for early detection and interception. The aim of the session is to highlight research and programs assessing this and providing mechanisms to prevent establishment of incursions.
Biosecurity in a connected world, innovative approaches to combating urban biological invasions
Chaired by Dr Monique Sakalidis – Research Scientist at Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DPIRD), Western Australia
In our increasingly interconnected world, urban areas are becoming hotspots for biological invasions. The movement of people and goods across borders facilitates the spread of invasive species, impacting local ecosystems, economies, and public health. Urban environments present unique challenges and opportunities for biosecurity, requiring innovative strategies, collaborative approaches, and integrated management to mitigate risks effectively.
Genomic tools for understanding mechanisms of biological invasion
Chaired by Professor Ben Philips – Professor of Population Biology at Curtin University (Australia)
This session will focus on using genomic tools to understand evolutionary parameters of biological invasion that are relevant to management. This will include using genomic data to predict incursion pathways, evaluate the presence/absence of specific alleles (e.g., for insecticide resistance), and elucidate the ways in which species rapidly respond to newly invaded habitats. We are particularly interested in talks that will advance our understanding of the mechanisms that ultimately determine what it takes to be a successful invader.
Island biosecurity
Chaired by Associate Professor Melissa Thomas – Associate Professor at Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Australia
Islands host some of the world’s most unique and vulnerable ecosystems, making biosecurity a critical issue for conservation, agriculture, and local communities. This session will explore best practices, innovative technologies, and policy frameworks to prevent and mitigate biosecurity threats.
Marine biosecurity challenges
Chaired by Dr Justin Macdonald – Principal Biosecurity Scientist & Technical Area Manager at the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development, Western Australia.
Marine environments present their own unique challenges for the management of biological invasions. This session explores the depth of those challenges and the work being done to address them.
Cane Toads: Integrating mitigation, control, and partnerships on Country.
Chaired by Michael Main, Western Shield Cane Toad Coordinator, Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions, Government of Western Australia, And;
Dr Georgia Ward-Fear, Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the School of Natural Sciences, Macquarie University.
Cane toads (Rhinella marina) continue to advance across Australia, threatening native predators and ecosystems. This symposium showcases the breadth of the ongoing response — from wildlife-focused mitigation strategies and landscape-scale control and containment efforts to the social dimensions of invasion management. The symposium will highlight how ecology, community and cultural knowledge fit together to shape effective, place-based approaches to living with an ongoing invasion.
Traits, adaptation and invasion
Chaired by Dr Nari Williams – Senior Scientist/ Senior Lecturer at Plant and Food Research, New Zealand
This session aims to extend trait-based databases to understand invasion risks for pests and pathogens. By focusing on key biological traits, we will showcase cutting-edge approaches in pest risk analysis and biogeography. The goal is to highlight the critical importance of incorporating specific traits into species descriptions and biosecurity frameworks to enhance our understanding of potential biological invasions.
Theme 7: Emerging Biosecurity Threats / Issues
Innovations in managing phytosanitary risks
Chaired by Dr Rieks van Klinken – Phytosanitary Risk Science Research Leader at CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation), Australia and Peter Leach
This session features a number of presentations exploring innovations in managing phytosanitary risks, followed by a panel discussion on the topic.
Invasive species decision support infrastructure and tools
Chaired by Associate Professor Richard Bradhurst – Associate Professor at CEBRA (Centre of Excellence for Biosecurity Risk Analysis), University of Melbourne, Australia
This session features a mix of emerging and established speakers covering topics relevant to invasive species decision support infrastructure and tools, such as Biosecurity Commons (a national data and analytics platform underpinning invasive species decision support).
H5N1 Avian Influenza: policy, planning and process
Chaired by Dr Simone Vitali, Program Manager – Emergencies, Wildlife Health Australia.
The serious and highly contagious H5N1 clade 2.3.4.4b strain of avian influenza has been spreading globally since 2021, with unprecedented impact on domesticated and wild birds and mammals. This session will explore the emergence of this virus in new species and in novel environments, with emphasis on the frameworks, collaborative approaches and response strategies that have shaped effective management.
Rising numbers of non-native species in the world’s forests
Chaired by Professor Andrew Liebhold – Scientific Leader at Czech University of Life Science, Czechia
Approximately 1/3 of global land area is forested, providing critical ecosystem services. Forests worldwide are increasingly altered by invasions of plants, insects, and pathogens. Foresters are introducing non-native tree plantations to meet wood demand. These changes are creating a biogeographic experiment with novel species interactions that can have unpredictable outcomes. Our session will synthesize current knowledge about non-native species in forests from a global macroecological perspective.
Theme 8: Recovery and Ongoing Management of Biological Invasions
Advances in management of Phytophthora dieback
Chaired by Professor Treena Burgess – Executive Director of Harry Butler Institute, Murdoch University, Australia and Mia Hunt
Novel tools for combatting invasive vertebrates
Chaired by Stuart Dawson, Western Shield Ecologist and the Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions (WA), and Dr Chris Jolly, Research Fellow and Macquarie University School of Natural Sciences.
Invasive vertebrate species can be extremely challenging to manage. Novel tools can revolutionise how species are managed, and the outcomes achieved. From biocontrol and gene drives to thermal imaging and remote surveillance, this session will explore the new tools in the management toolkit.
Post-eradication recovery planning
Chair to be announced in due course
This session looks at how we plan for the recovery of ecosystems and productive systems post-eradication.
Post-invasion restoration
Chaired by Dr Irene Martin Fores, Lecturer in Plant Ecology at Flinders University.
As the world advances into the UN Decade of Restoration, addressing invasive species and biosecurity is crucial. The EU Nature Restoration Law and global commitments to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework highlight the importance of restoration. This calls for an integrative, inclusive, and transformational approach to tackling invasive species, preventing biodiversity loss, and ensuring a nature-positive future through effective restoration strategies.