“Invasive species: 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-Society

On February 19, starting at 7:30 p.m., the second Science Bar of the year will be held, organized by the University of Montpellier. For this edition, Jean-François Agnèse, IRD research director in fish population genetics, Olivier Gimenez, CNRS research director within the CEFE's Human-Animal Interactions team, Carole Kerdelhué, INRAE research director and deputy director at CBPG, Jean-Pierre Rossi, INRAE research director at CBPG, and Jean-Michel Salles, CNRS research director at CEE.M, will be present to exchange views between researchers and the public on the issue of " invasive species."

The Science Bar has become one of Montpellier's flagship scientific culture events, offering a monthly participatory and citizen-led debate on all aspects of science from January to June. Throughout the season, scientists are invited to engage in a dialogue where their knowledge and practices are shared, but can also be discussed. The season is co-produced by the scientific culture departments of the UM and its partners: INRAE, Inserm, IRD, and the Faculty of Sciences, with the support of Radio Aviva. This evening event will be translated into sign language.

A Science Bar dedicated to invasive species

Florida turtles, nutria, ring-necked parakeets, Louisiana crayfish, tilapia in Morocco... Whether terrestrial, aquatic, or aerial, some of these species from elsewhere were introduced deliberately for food, ornamentation, recreation, or biological control. Others have traveled against their will, carried along by global trade, like "hitchhikers." Long considered useful or harmless, some have since multiplied uncontrollably.

In the Mediterranean basin, invasive species are currently disrupting the natural balance, competing with local species and contributing to the decline in biodiversity. Their impact extends beyond the environment alone: agriculture, fishing, water management and infrastructure are also affected, with sometimes significant economic consequences.

In a context of globalized trade, climate change, and ecosystem fragility, the issue of invasive species has become a major challenge. To better understand this phenomenon and explore possible solutions, the Bar des Sciences is hosting a meeting entitled "Invasive Species: Zero Damage in the Mediterranean."

To discuss this topic of science and society, five multidisciplinary experts will answer questions from the audience:

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

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

Once again this year, the Science Bar is supported by the University of Montpellier's Science with and for Society (SAPS) ministerial label. As part of this certification, the commitment to making scientific culture increasingly accessible continues. Special attention will be paid to the inclusion of deaf and hard-of-hearing people at each Bar des Sciences evening. This evening will feature sign language interpretation by Des'L Interprétation and a collaboration with students from Lycée Joffre studying French Sign Language (LSF), who will open the evening in LSF.