Prof Iain Patterson
Professor Iain Patterson is a Professor in the Department of Zoology and Entomology, specialising in the biological control of weeds. His research focuses on the discovery and development of new biological control agents. He has worked extensively as an exploratory entomologist, surveying for potential agents to combat invasive alien plant species such as cactus weeds, tropical trees that have invaded island ecosystems, and problematic grasses in the USA and Australia. Professor Patterson is particularly interested in the origins of invasive plant populations and how these origins influence the effectiveness of biological control methods.
His work also explores the cryptic diversity of herbivorous insects, the evolution of host specificity, and species delineation. In addition to developing new agents, he is dedicated to improving the safety and risk assessment processes for releasing biological control agents. His research includes post-release evaluations of these agents and prioritizing targets for biological control. By examining the genetic origins of weeds, Professor Patterson contributes to a deeper understanding of how to better manage invasive species and enhance the success of biological control programs.
His work also explores the cryptic diversity of herbivorous insects, the evolution of host specificity, and species delineation. In addition to developing new agents, he is dedicated to improving the safety and risk assessment processes for releasing biological control agents. His research includes post-release evaluations of these agents and prioritizing targets for biological control. By examining the genetic origins of weeds, Professor Patterson contributes to a deeper understanding of how to better manage invasive species and enhance the success of biological control programs.