“Invasive Species: Aiming for Zero Damage in the Mediterranean” will be the theme of the second Science Bar 2026

[Press Release] - Published on February 9, 2026 in Press Room, Science and Society

On February 19, starting at 7:30 p.m., the University of Montpellier will host the second Science Bar of the year. For this event, Jean-François Agnèse, IRD research director specializing in fish population genetics; Olivier Gimenez, CNRS research director in the CEFE’s Human-Animal Interactions team; Carole Kerdelhué, INRAE research director and deputy director at the CBPG, Jean-Pierre Rossi, INRAE research director at the CBPG, and Jean-Michel Salles, CNRS research director at the CEE.M, will be present to facilitate a dialogue between researchers and the public on the issue of “invasive species.”

The Bar des sciences has become one of Montpellier’s flagship events for science outreach, offering a monthly participatory public discussion on all aspects of science from January through June. Throughout the season, scientists are invited to engage in a dialogue where their knowledge and practices are not only shared but also open to discussion. The season is co-produced by the University of Montpellier’s scientific culture departments and its partners: INRAE, INSERM, IRD, and the Faculty of Sciences, with support from Radio Aviva. Sign language interpretation is provided for this event.

A Science Bar dedicated to invasive species

Florida turtles, coypu, ring-necked parakeets, Louisiana crayfish, tilapia in Morocco… Whether terrestrial, aquatic, or aerial, some of these non-native species were intentionally introduced for food, ornamental purposes, recreation, or biological control. Others have traveled against their will, carried along by globalized trade, like “hitchhikers.” Long considered useful or harmless, some have since multiplied uncontrollably.

In the Mediterranean basin, invasive species are currently disrupting natural balances, competing with native species, and contributing to the decline of biodiversity. Their impacts extend beyond the environmental sphere: agriculture, fisheries, water management, and infrastructure are also affected, with economic consequences that can sometimes be significant.

Against a backdrop of globalized trade, climate change, and the increasing vulnerability of ecosystems, the issue of invasive species has become a major concern. To better understand this phenomenon and explore possible solutions, the Bar des Sciences is hosting an event titled “Invasive Species: Aiming for Zero Damage in the Mediterranean.”

To discuss this topic at the intersection of science and society, five experts from various disciplines will answer questions from the audience:

• Jean-François Agnèse: IRD research director specializing in fish population genetics. He studies the various factors influencing the evolution of these populations in their natural habitats at the Institute of Evolutionary Sciences in Montpellier (ISEM – IRD, CNRS, University of Montpellier);
• Olivier Gimenez: CNRS Research Director in the Human-Animal Interactions team at the Center for Functional and Evolutionary Ecology (CEFE – CNRS, University of Montpellier, EPHE, IRD, INRAE, Institut Agro Montpellier, Paul Valéry University of Montpellier). His research combines the fields of animal ecology, statistical modeling, and the social sciences, focusing on the conservation biology of mammals in the face of the impact of human activities and climate change;
• Carole Kerdelhué: Research Director at INRAE and Deputy Director of the Center for Biology and Population Management (CBGP – INRAE, CIRAD, Institut Agro, IRD, and the University of Montpellier). Her research focuses on population ecology and evolutionary genetics; she specializes in forest insects and studies cases of biological invasions;

• Jean-Pierre Rossi: INRAE Research Director at the Center for Biology and Population Management (CBGP – INRAE, CIRAD, Institut Agro, IRD, and the University of Montpellier). His research focuses on the ecology of forest insects and the impact of climate change on phytosanitary risks associated with biological invasions;
• Jean-Michel Salles: CNRS Research Director at the Montpellier Center for Environmental Economics (CEE.M – CNRS, INRAE, Institut Agro, University of Montpellier). His research focuses on the economics of ecosystems and biodiversity, particularly the economic impact of biological invasions.

Once again this year, the Bar des Sciences is supported by the University of Montpellier’s “Science with and for Society” (SAPS) ministerial certification. As part of this certification, we remain committed to making scientific culture increasingly accessible. Special attention will be given to the inclusion of deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals at every Bar des Sciences event. As such, this event will feature sign language interpretation provided by Des’L Interprétation and a collaboration with students from Lycée Joffre taking the French Sign Language (LSF) elective, who will open the event in LSF.