Petr Pyšek

Prof. Petr Pyšek is a leading plant ecologist and Professor at the Institute of Botany of the Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, where he heads the Department of Invasion Ecology. He also serves as a faculty member in the Department of Ecology at Charles University’s Faculty of Science. His career spans over three decades, with visiting fellowships at Oxford University and leadership roles in international research projects.

Education:

• MSc, Department of Botany, Charles University, Prague (1982)
• PhD, Institute of Applied Ecology, Kostelec nad Černými lesy (1992)

Research Interests:

Prof. Pyšek’s research focuses on invasion ecology, particularly the mechanisms behind plant naturalization and invasiveness. He investigates biogeographic patterns, plant traits, ecosystem impacts, and management strategies related to alien plant species. His work integrates macroecology, community ecology, and genomic approaches to understand how alien plants establish, spread, and affect native ecosystems.

Recent Publications:

His most recent work includes studies on global fungal pathogen flows, plant naturalization drivers, and insect conservation challenges posed by biological invasions. His research increasingly addresses policy-relevant issues, such as risk assessment tools and global conservation frameworks.

Grants & Projects:

• ALARM (EU 6FP, 2004–2008)
• DAISIE (EU 6FP, 2005–2007)
• Giant Hogweed (EU 5FP, 2002–2005)
• National grants on Central European flora, invasive Reynoutria, and succession in human-made habitats

Editorial & Leadership Roles:

• Editor-in-Chief, Preslia
• Editorial board member of Biological Invasions, Diversity and Distributions, Folia Geobotanica, and Perspectives in Plant Ecology, Evolution and Systematics

Teaching & Mentorship:

He has taught courses on plant invasions and vegetation of human-made habitats at multiple Czech universities including Charles University and Masaryk University.