Louise Barwell

Dr Louise Barwell’s research aims to understand insect populations and plant pathogens using statistical modelling of spatial data at regional to global scales. She applies comparative phylogenetic approaches to understand how ecological traits and socio-environmental factors interact to drive biological invasions and the resilience of plants to emerging pests and diseases. To support horizon-scanning and risk assessment for future pest impacts, Louise applied cross-species models to predict future threats to the UK from global Phytophthora plant pathogens (LWEC Phyto-threats) and developed phylogenetic comparative models of plant pests and pathogens’ potential host ranges and introduction through trade pathways (TREESCAPES NewLEAF and Future-Proofing Plant Health programmes). 

Louise has actively engaged with UK stakeholders in the forestry and nursery sectors, and plant health policy to co-develop models and web-based tools to support plant health preparedness in Scotland and Wales, and to support the assessment of invasion risk for emerging forestry species. She has worked with the GB Non-Native Species Secretariat to co-develop models underpinning the UK's indicator for invasive species establishment and response to the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework Target 6.