Invasive alien species (IAS) represent one of the major environmental challenges for conserving global biodiversity and economic development. Emerging economies, like India, face the greatest threat of biological invasion due to the increasing globalization of trade and the changing climate. Yet the response capacities of these countries are not adequate to deal with this problem because of knowledge gaps, lack of coordination between stakeholders, and little awareness of the IAS problem.

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The idea of the forum was conceptualized in a national meeting that took place at Azim Premji University, Bhopal, on 21 and 22 February 2025. The meeting saw the rare coming together of 34 researchers and practitioners to share their latest findings and discuss strategies to combat the scourge of invasive alien species (IAS) in India. Participants represented various stakeholders, levels of seniority, sub-specialties, and geographies.

​The meeting ended on a positive note, with participants brainstorming on how to kick off the formation of a national forum of bio-invasion scientists. ​We envision the forum fostering collaboration and partnership within and beyond academia and enhancing linkages between science, policy, and practice.