Helen Bayliss

Biological invasions - Conservation technology - Evidence-based conservation - Invasive alien species - Biosecurity - Citizen- and community-led science - Biological recording - Protected species - Science policy

To undertake collaborative, impactful research and teaching that delivers useful, accessible information to policy makers, conservation practitioners, ecologists and the wider public, to the ultimate benefit of biodiversity and society.

I am a conservation ecologist with expertise in biological invasions and evidence-based conservation.  I joined CAWR in 2025, where I work part-time on two exciting projects, OneSTOP (OneBiosecurity Systems and Technology for People, Places and Pathways) and DAISY (DigitAl, technologIcal and Social innovation mixes enabling transformation for biodiversity and equitY).  In OneSTOP, we coordinate one of five European Living Labs, bringing together stakeholders from a wide range of organisations with an interest in invasive species detection to trial technologies and innovations in a real-world setting. We also coordinate the citizen science innovation, Gardens as Sentinels. I also teach ecological survey skills.

I have a degree in environmental biology and a masters in information management.  My PhD at Harper Adams University College looked the use of information and research synthesis methods with reference to invasive species.  I have previously worked on tree pests and diseases at the Centre for Environmental Policy at Imperial College London and on invasive species of human health concern under climate change at the Centre for Evidence Based Conservation at Bangor University. 

I am passionate about field work, open science, research with purpose, especially with impacts for policy and practice, and for engagement and communication beyond academia. Outside of work I am a keen nature volunteer with the local Wildlife Trust and local interest groups.  I also enjoy testing non-invasive technologies including camera trapping, bioaccoustics and thermal and infra red cameras for species monitoring and recording on the unfortunate wildlife in my local area.