Prof. Helen Roy

Contact details

Job Title: Ecologist

Location: Wallingford

Email: hele@ceh.ac.uk

Phone: +44 (0)1491 692252

Social Media: | Twitter,

Biography

Research Interests:

Ecology of non-native species
Effects of environmental change on insect populations
Community interactions, particularly ladybirds and their natural enemies
Role of species' attributes in determining distribution patterns
Science communication and citizen science

My research focuses on the effects of environmental change on insect populations and communities. I am particularly interested in the dynamics of invasive non-native species and their effects on biodiversity. I am the chair of a COST Action ALIEN Challenge which involves 31 countries in ensuring a fair exchange of high quality and reliable data and information on invasive non-native species (GB Non-Native Species Information Portal). I lead a project to produce a comprehensive information portal on non-native species in Britain. Additionally I have the role of managing updates to the DAISIE (Delivering Alien Invasive Species Inventories for Europe) database.

I also lead a European study group within the International Organisation for Biological Control on the Risks and Benefits of Exotic Biological Control Agents which uses the harlequin ladybird (Harmonia axyridis) as a model species.

Citizen science provides opportunities for engaging people actively in science and over the last ten years I have led several major citizen science initiatives involving tens of thousands of people (including UK Ladybird Survey, BBC Breathing Places Parasite Survey and EDF Energy Big Bumblebee Discovery). I have been the volunteer scheme organiser for the UK Ladybird Survey for many years and am using the large-scale and long-term coccinellidae datasets (distribution and abundance) to understand and predict the effects of the arrival of the non-native harlequin ladybird on other ladybirds.

My research has been selected for the 2009 Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition, Moscow Science Festival in 2010 and BBC Gardeners' World Live in 2011, 2012 and 2013. I have a passion for science communication and citizen science. I was awarded the ZSL Silver Medal for contributions to the understanding and appreciation of zoology.

I am a visiting Professor in the School of Biological Sciences, University of Reading.

Brief CV:

Expertise:

Community ecology, invasion biology, entomology, biological recording, science communication

Career summary:

2012 - Ecologist (Band 4) and Group Leader, NERC Centre for Ecology & Hydrology

2009 - 2012 Ecologist (Band 5) and Group Leader, NERC Centre for Ecology & Hydrology

2007 - 2009 Ecologist (Band 6), NERC Centre for Ecology & Hydrology

2007 - 2008 Reader in Ecology, Anglia Ruskin University

2006 - 2007 Director of Research Students, Anglia Ruskin University

2002 - 2006 Senior Lecturer, Anglia Ruskin University

1997 - 2002 Lecturer, Anglia Polytechnic University

1994 - 1997 PhD Student, Institute of Arable Crop Research – Rothamsted and University of Nottingham

Teaching:

September 2013 Course teacher for Tropical Biological Association, Segera, Kenya

June 2011 Course teacher for Tropical Biological Association, Kibale, Uganda

2013- Visiting lecturer on MSc Conservation (University of Oxford)

2009- Visiting lecturer on MSc Conservation and Wildlife Management (University of Reading)

2010- Visiting lecturer on MSc Environmental Science (University of Warwick)

2009 Visiting lecturer on Community Ecology course (University of Oxford)

1997-2008 Lecturer on various ecology, statistics and microbial courses (Anglia Ruskin University)

Postgraduate supervision:

Co-supervisor for PhD: eDNA and non-native species surveillance (Rosie Blackman, Hull University)

Co-supervisor for PhD: Functional responses of invasive alien species (Will Fincham, Leeds University)

Co-supervisor for PhD: Invasive Alien Species - impacts and pathways (Olaf Booy, Newcastle University)

Co-supervisor for PhD: Ladybirds and their parasites (Katie Murray, Stirling University)

2009-2013 Lead supervisor for PhD: Modelling the impacts of Harmonia axyridis on native insects (Richard Comont, Oxford University)

2009 - Co-supervisor for part-time PhD: Role of climate and habitat in the range expansion of Orthoptera (Björn Beckmann, York University)

2007 - 2011 Co-supervisor for PhD: Fenland restoration and invertebrate assemblages (Blaise Martay, Anglia Ruskin University)

2007 – 2011 Co-supervisor for PhD: Intraguild interactions between Harmonia axyridis and other aphidophages (Patricia Wells, Cambridge University)

2005 - 2010 Lead supervisor for PhD: Impacts of Harmonia axyridis on native ladybirds (Peter Brown, Anglia Ruskin University)

2004 - 2007 Lead supervisor for PhD: Overwintering interactions between Coccinella septempunctata and Beauveria bassiana (Anglia Ruskin University, Emma Ormond)

Books:

Roy, H.E., Preston, C.D. and Roy, D.B. (2015) Fifty Years of the Biological Records Centre. Special issue of the Biological Journal of the Linnean Society.

Booy, O., Wade, M. and Roy, H.E. (2015) Field Guide to Invasive Plants and Animals in Britain. Bloomsbury, London

Roy, H.E., Brown, P.M.J., Comont, R.F., Poland, R.L. and Sloggett, J.J. (2013) Ladybirds (Naturalists’ Handbook 10). Revised from Majerus and Kearns (1989) Pelagic Publishing, Exeter.

Collins, G. A. and Roy, H.E. (2012) Provisional atlas of the aculeate Hymenoptera of Britain and Ireland Part 7. 149 pp. Biological Records Centre, Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, UK. ISBN 978-1-906698-29-4

Roy, H.E., De Clercq, P., Handley, L., Poland, R., Sloggett, J. and Wajnberg, E. (2012) Invasive alien arthropod predators and parasitoids: an ecological approach. Book series: Progress in Biological Control. Springer.

Roy, H.E., Brown, P.M.J., Frost, R. and Poland, R.L. (2011) Ladybirds (Coccinellidae) of Britain and Ireland. 198pp. Biological Records Centre, Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, UK. ISBN 978-1-906698-20-1

Roy, H.E., Vega, F., Chandler, D., Goettel, M.S., Pell, J.K. and Wajnberg, E. (2010) The ecology of fungal entomopathogens. 198pp. Springer. ISBN: 978-90-481-3965-1

Edwards, R. and Roy, H.E. (2009) Provisional atlas of the aculeate Hymenoptera of Britain and Ireland Part 7. 145 pp. Biological Records Centre, Centre for Ecology & Hydrology, UK. ISBN 978-1-906698-14-0

Roy, H.E. and Wagnberg, E. (2008) From biological control to invasion: the ladybird, Harmonia axyridis, as a model species. 287. Springer. ISBN: 978-1-4020-6938-3

Qualifications:

1994 – 1997 PhD Interactions between aphid predators and the entomopathogenic fungus Erynia neoaphidis - University of Nottingham

1993 – 1997 MSc Environmental Science: Measurement, Modelling and Analysis (Distinction) - University of Nottingham

1989 – 1992 BSc (Hons.) Biology (Upper Second Class Honours) – University of Southampton

Professional Membership:

1995-2005 Member of the Royal Entomological Society

2005 - Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society

1995 - Member of British Ecological Society

2015 - Member of the Entomological Club

Committee roles:

2015 - Member of the British Ecological Society Outreach Committee

2015 - Member of the Royal Entomological Society Outreach Committee

2013 - Convenor of the British Ecological Society Special Interest Group on Citizen Science

2013 - IUCN Invasive Species Specialist Group

2007 - Council member for the National Forum for Biological Recording

2007- Convenor of the International Organisation for Biological Control Working Group on “Benefits and Risks of Exotic Biological Control Agents

Editorial positions:

Associate editor for BioControl

Associate editor for European Journal of Entomology

Editorial board member for Agricultural and Forest Entomology

Editorial team member for Citizen Science: Theory and Practice

Publications

Carvell Claire; Isaac Nick; Jitlal Mark; Peyton Jodey; Powney Gary; Roy David; Vanbergen Adam; O'Connor Rory; Jones Catherine; Kunin Bill; Breeze Tom; Garratt Mike; Potts Simon; Harvey Martin; Ansine Janet; Comont Richard; Lee Paul; Edwards Mike; Roberts Stuart; Morris Roger; Musgrove Andy; Brereton Tom; Hawes Cathy; Roy Helen; , 2016, Design and testing of a national pollinator and pollination monitoring framework.

Norris Ken; Buckland Stephen; Green Rhys; Roy Helen; Stephens Phil; , 2016, Review of UK biodiversity indicators that provide status and trends for species.

Roy Helen E.; Brown Peter M.J.; Adriaens Tim; Berkvens Nick; Borges Isabel; Clusella-Trullas Susana; Comont Richard F.; De Clercq Patrick; Eschen Rene; Estoup Arnaud; Evans Edward W.; Facon Benoit; Gardiner Mary M.; Gil Artur; Grez Audrey A.; Guillemaud Thomas; Haelewaters Danny; Herz Annette; Honek Alois; Howe Andy G.; Hui Cang; Hutchison William D.; Kenis Marc; Koch Robert L.; Kulfan Jan; Lawson Handley Lori; Lombaert Eric; Loomans Antoon; Losey John; Lukashuk Alexander O.; Maes Dirk; Magro Alexandra; Murray Katie M.; Martin Gilles San; Martinkova Zdenka; Minnaar Ingrid A.; Nedved Oldřich; Orlova-Bienkowskaja Marina J.; Osawa Naoya; Rabitsch Wolfgang; Ravn Hans Peter; Rondoni Gabriele; Rorke Steph L.; Ryndevich Sergey K.; Saethre May-Guri; Sloggett John J.; Soares Antonio Onofre; Stals Riaan; Tinsley Matthew C.; Vandereycken Axel; van Wielink Paul; Viglasova Sandra; Zach Peter; Zakharov Ilya A.; Zaviezo Tania; Zhao Zihua; , 2016, The harlequin ladybird, Harmonia axyridis: global perspectives on invasion history and ecology. , 18, 997-1044

Hui Cang; Richardson David M.; Landi Pietro; Minoarivelo Henintsoa O.; Garnas Jeff; Roy Helen E.; , 2016, Defining invasiveness and invasibility in ecological networks. , 18, 971-983

Garnas Jeff R.; Auger-Rozenberg Marie-Anne; Roques Alain; Bertelsmeier Cleo; Wingfield Michael J.; Saccaggi Davina L.; Roy Helen E.; Slippers Bernard; , 2016, Complex patterns of global spread in invasive insects: eco-evolutionary and management consequences. , 18, 935-952

Roy Helen E.; Baxter Elizabeth; Saunders Aoine; Pocock Michael J.O.; , 2016, Focal plant observations as a standardised method for pollinator monitoring: opportunities and limitations for mass participation citizen science. , 11

Burns Fiona; Eaton Mark A.; Barlow Kate E.; Beckmann Bjorn C.; Brereton Tom; Brooks David R.; Brown Peter M.J.; Al Fulaij Nida; Gent Tony; Henderson Ian; Noble David G.; Parsons Mark; Powney Gary D.; Roy Helen E.; Stroh Peter; Walker Kevin; Wilkinson John W.; Wotton Simon R.; Gregory Richard D.; , 2016, Agricultural management and climatic change are the major drivers of biodiversity change in the UK. , 11

Roy Helen; Scalera Riccardo; Dunn Alison; Hesketh Helen; , 2016, Control wildlife pathogens too. , 530, 281

Brown Peter; Roy Helen; Majerus Michael; , 2016, The rise and rise of the harlequin ladybird in Cambridgeshire. , 50, 91-92

Honek Alois; Martinkova Zdenka; Dixon Anthony F.G.; Roy Helen E.; Pekár Stano; , 2016, Long-term changes in communities of native coccinellids: population fluctuations and the effect of competition from an invasive non-native species.

Hesketh Helen; Roy Helen; , 2015, Understanding alien invasive pathogens. , 16, 240-242

Brown Peter M.J.; Roy Helen E.; , 2015, Reflections on the long-term assessment of ladybird (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) populations in the Czech Republic and the United Kingdom. , 79, 19-27

Essl Franz; Bacher Sven; Blackburn Tim M.; Booy Olaf; Brundu Giuseppe; Brunel Sarah; Cardoso Ana-Cristina; Eschen René; Gallardo Belinda; Galil Bella; García-Berthou Emili; Genovesi Piero; Groom Quentin; Harrower Colin; Hulme Philip E.; Katsanevakis Stelios; Kenis Marc; Kühn Ingolf; Kumschick Sabrina; Martinou Angeliki F.; Nentwig Wolfgang; O'Flynn Colette; Pagad Shyama; Pergl Jan; Pyšek Petr; Rabitsch Wolfgang; Richardson David M.; Roques Alain; Roy Helen E.; Scalera Riccardo; Schindler Stefan; Seebens Hanno; Vanderhoeven Sonia; Vilà Montserrat; Wilson John R. U.; Zenetos Argyro; Jeschke Jonathan M.; , 2015, Crossing frontiers in tackling pathways of biological invasions. , 65, 769-782

Roy Helen E.; Brown Peter M.J. ; , 2015, Ten years of invasion: Harmonia axyridis (Pallas) (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) in Britain. , 40, 336-348

Roy Helen E.; Preston Christopher D.; Roy David B.; , 2015, Fifty years of the Biological Records Centre. , 115

Pocock Michael J.O.; Roy Helen E.; Preston Chris D.; Roy David B.; , 2015, The Biological Records Centre: a pioneer of citizen science. , 115, 475-493

Hulme Philip E.; Pauchard Aníbal; Pyšek Petr; Vilà Montserrat; Alba Christina; Blackburn Tim M.; Bullock James M.; Chytrý Milan; Dawson Wayne; Dunn Alison M.; Essl Franz; Genovesi Piero; Maskell Lindsay C.; Meyerson Laura A.; Nuñez Martin A.; Pergl Jan; Pescott Oliver L.; Pocock Michael J.O.; Richardson David M.; Roy Helen E.; Smart Simon M.; Štajerová Katerina; Stohlgren Thomas; van Kleunen Mark; Winter Marten; , 2015, Challenging the view that invasive non-native plants are not a significant threat to the floristic diversity of Great Britain. , 112, E2988-E2989

Katsanevakis Stelios; Roy Helen E.; , 2015, Alien species related information systems and information management. , 6, 115-117

Beckmann Bjorn C.; Purse Bethan V.; Roy David B.; Roy Helen E.; Sutton Peter G.; Thomas Chris D.; , 2015, Two species with an unusual combination of traits dominate responses of British grasshoppers and crickets to environmental change. , 10

Hesketh Helen; Eilenberg Jorgen; van Oers Monique; Roy Helen; Dunn Alison; Stentiford Grant; Purse Beth; Kleespies Regina; Amtoft-Wyns Anja; , 2015, Pathogens on the horizon: enhancing understanding of invasive alien entomopathogens and impacts on biodiversity. In: 48th Annual Meeting of the Society for Invertebrate Pathology, Vancouver, 9-13 Aug 2015