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Graduate Training in Risk Analysis for Introduced Species and Genotypes

Globalization is driving an unprecedented number of introductions of exotic species and new genotypes into ecosystems. Because their consequences range from highly beneficial to extremely damaging, interest in improving risk analysis of biological organisms is growing. To advance decision making, there is a critical need to improve the science of biological introductions and to develop better approaches for integrating this scientific information into deliberative processes. This program affords students an opportunity to develop the analytic-deliberative skills needed for risk analysis of biological introductions and to participate in research addressing real-world problems critical to advancing this field by addressing four focal areas of inquiry:

    • Are the regulatory processes effective at allowing or excluding new species and genotypes appropriately?
    • Can risk assessment models be improved and, if so, when is this improvement of value?
    • How can uncertainty be addressed within ERA?
    • How can risk management be improved?


Students pursue a minor in Introduced Species and Genotypes which complements coursework and research experiences in their major field. The educational plan is linked closely to our research foci. More than 40 faculty in 16 departments participate in this IGERT. A key strength of the program are our partnerships with researchers and decision-makers around the world who are actively engaged in risk analysis of biological introductions. Students interact with our "external partners" in developing and solving research problems, and when they are learning the fundamentals of risk analysis.

 

For more information, explore our web pages or contact us at: ISGIGERT@umn.edu

 

NSF IGERT links:
NSF IGERT Program
IGERT National Recruitment Program

Announcements

Summer Under-graduate Research Program Apply Now!

Minnesota Futures and IGERT Symposium: Predicting Invasive Potential of
Exotic Species
March 3-5, 2008

ISG 8001 Discussions
Discussions in Introduced Species and Genotypes - Thursdays, 11:30-1PM in VoTech R280

Award Abstract
IGERT: Risk Analysis for Introduced Species and Genotypes

MN Daily Article
Risk analysis now for animals too