In the summer of 2000, a young undergraduate named Luke Flory was knee-deep in invasive plant species at a nature preserve in northern Indiana, with a backpack slung over his shoulder, filled with tools to study and manage invasive species. The work was hot, messy and life-changing. That summer, Flory gained interest for invasion science that would define his career.

Twenty-five years later, Flory is now the director of the University of Florida’s Invasion Science Institute (ISI).

“Flory’s record of building a large, well-funded ecology research lab, administrative experience at the department level and vision in the field of invasion science combine to  position him as the leader we need for such a critical area of scientific inquiry and outreach,” said Scott Angle, UF’s senior vice president for agriculture and natural resources and leader at the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS).

A global leader in invasion ecology, Flory helped lay the groundwork for ISI’s formation back in in 2018 by organizing a UF/IFAS sponsored workshop. He brought together invasion science experts from across the globe and across disciplines. The momentum from that event led the university to formally commit to launching the institute.

Today, ISI brings together more than 120 affiliate faculty members and collaborators from diverse disciplines and backgrounds.

“The rapidly growing population of Florida, and continued shifts in land uses, expansion of developments and transport of goods into and through the state requires improved approaches for risk assessments, inspections and invader removals,” said Flory.

As director, he will now lead one of the nation’s most collaborative and ambitious interdisciplinary efforts in higher education to address biological invasions and their impacts on ecosystems, agriculture and society.

“Successfully managing the problem of invasive species requires expertise from all fields of science, including ecology and biology, but also social sciences, law and medicine. UF has the diverse people, resources and technology to continue serving as a global leader in invasion science,” said Flory.

Flory, who also serves as professor and associate chair in the UF/IFAS agronomy department, has built a research portfolio focused on the ecology of non-native species invasions and their interactions with such global environmental issues as climate change, fire, urbanization and emerging pathogens. Since 2014, he has secured more than $10 million in uninterrupted research funding from agencies including the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), National Science Foundation, Army Corps of Engineers and the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Flory has authored more than 115 scientific papers. His contributions have earned numerous honors, including a Fulbright U.S. Scholar award to Croatia, the USDA Forest Service Supervisor’s Award for excellence in development of partnerships, multiple university teaching awards including the Graduate Teacher/Advisor of the Year for the UF/IFAS College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, and recognition as Distinguished Faculty Fellow by the Florida Climate Institute.

Since helping found ISI, Flory has built collaborations across UF/IFAS departments like the Department of Plant Pathology, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Department of Biology and the Tropical Conservation and Development program. At The Flory Lab, research ranges from invasive plant ecology and agroecology to international food systems and student training programs with a central goal: understanding and mitigating the long-term impacts of invasive species and other environmental stressors.

Beyond Florida, Flory’s leadership extends internationally including extensive research in Costa Rica, Colombia, China, Croatia and Ecuador, including Galapagos. He co-directed a study abroad program in Cuba for five years and currently co-leads a summer study abroad program in Croatia focused on the effects of global change, including invasive species and climate change on food systems ranging from traditional artisanal farms to industrial agriculture.

Flory’s appointment comes at a pivotal time, as the world faces increasing threats from non-native species and looks to science-based leadership for solutions. From mentoring more than 60 graduate and postdoctoral scholars to leading research efforts in central and south America, Asia and Europe, Flory continues to grow the next generation of invasion science leaders.

“Cooperating with managers, policymakers and landowners across the state will help ISI identify new invasive species threats, and accessing additional resources through state, federal and private partners will expand the reach and effectiveness of ISI’s efforts,” said Flory.