Brian Leung

Brian Leung is an Associate Professor at McGill University with dual appointments in the Department of Biology and the Bieler School of Environment. He holds the prestigious UNESCO Chair for Dialogues on Sustainability and serves as Director of the McGill-STRI Neotropical Environment Option, a collaborative program between McGill University and the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute. His academic career spans over two decades of research on ecological modeling and invasive species management.

• PhD in Biology, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada (1999)
• B.Sc (Honours) in Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada (1993)

Professor Leung's research program focuses on large-scale ecological predictions and environmental decision-making, with particular emphasis on biological invasions as a major driver of biodiversity change. His work bridges mathematical, statistical, and computational modeling with empirical data across terrestrial, aquatic, and marine biomes at regional, national, and global scales. He has pioneered approaches to integrate socio-economic and ecological phenomena in understanding invasion dynamics. His current research includes leading the Panama Research and Integrated Sustainability Model (PRISM), a multidisciplinary effort to develop sustainability science templates for the Global South.

Analysis of his recent publication record reveals a strong trend toward addressing global challenges in biological invasions through collaborative, interdisciplinary research. His work spans ecological theory, economic analysis, policy implications, and practical management solutions. Key themes include quantifying invasion costs, developing predictive models for species spread, assessing global monitoring capabilities, and creating scenario-based management frameworks. His research increasingly emphasizes the socioeconomic dimensions of invasions alongside ecological impacts, reflecting the complex nature of sustainability challenges.

Professor Leung actively supervises graduate students, with Morgane Henry currently pursuing doctoral research under his guidance. His research program has attracted significant funding to support fieldwork, modeling efforts, and international collaborations focused on understanding and managing biological invasions.

As Director of the Neotropical Environment Option, Professor Leung oversees an important international research and training platform that connects McGill University with the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute in Panama. This program supports field research, student exchanges, and collaborative projects addressing sustainability challenges in tropical environments.