Jan Robert Baars

Jan Robert Baars is an ecologist with a background in entomology, invertebrate ecology, and invasion biology. They completed a BSc (Hons) in Entomology and a PhD at Rhodes University, South Africa, and began their career as a researcher at the Plant Protection Research Institute, investigating biological control options for invasive plant species, including Lantana camara. 
 
Following postdoctoral research appointments, Jan Robert Baars joined the academic staff at University College Dublin in 2008. Their research focuses on plant and invertebrate ecology, with particular emphasis on invasive alien species and the management of economic and environmental pests in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. This includes research on alternative pest control approaches, such as classical biological control, as well as studies of aquatic invertebrate communities across multiple taxonomic groups. 
 
Their teaching covers ecology, invasion biology, pest management, and field sampling and monitoring techniques.