The Centre for Invasion Biology (C·I·B) has named Professor Tatenda Dalu as its new Director, who started his role in December 2025.
A seasoned academic and leading researcher in freshwater ecology and invasion biology, Prof Dalu’s research focuses how biodiversity reacts to environmental stressors such as invasive species, pollution, climate change, and land-use changes. His work uses field studies, biological monitoring, and applied science to understand how ecosystems work and to support their conservation and management.
Prof Dalu joined the C·I·B from the University of Mpumalanga, where he established an internationally recognized research profile. Over the years, he has authored over 220 peer-reviewed articles on invasive species, freshwater biodiversity, ecosystem health, and environmental change — primarily within African landscapes.
Prof Dalu has also mentored numerous PhD and MSc students, contributing to the development of future experts in the field. He holds leadership roles with SACNASP, the British Ecological Society, and ASRARP, showing his involvement in the scientific community.
For the past 20 years, the C·I·B has gained global recognition for its work on invasive species and for producing research that guides policy, builds skills, and improves understanding of biological invasions.
With his blend of research excellence, leadership, and a deep understanding of Africa’s environmental challenges, Prof Dalu will help the C·I·B grow its impact both in Africa and worldwide.
Looking ahead, Prof Dalu emphasised that the C·I·B will continue to do innovative, multidisciplinary research on biological invasions and to turn research findings into tangible benefits beyond academia.
“A key focus moving forward will be to strengthen collaboration nationally and across Africa, foster stronger links between science, policy, and practice, and co-develop solutions to address the growing impacts of invasive alien species on biodiversity, ecosystem services, and livelihoods,” says Prof Dalu.
The challenges highlighted by the IPBES assessment of invasive alien species in Africa — such as lack of basic data, limited skills to identify invasive species, lack of long-term monitoring, and research gaps in terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems — match Prof Dalu’s goals for the C·I·B.
He adds, “By focusing on skills development, supporting long-term monitoring, fostering cross-border collaboration, and producing research that informs policy, the C·I·B is well positioned to address these gaps and enhance invasive species management across Africa.”
He further noted that “developing the next generation of African invasion biologists, working closely with conservation groups, government, and industry, and increasing the C·I·B’s continental reach will be central to our strategic vision.”
Prof Dalu is married to Dr Mwazvita Dalu, an accomplished academic in Environmental Sciences, and they have two daughters, Kimberley and Amelia. When he’s not sampling rivers or writing papers, Prof Dalu enjoys watching sports, travelling and time with family and friends.
Welcome Professor Dalu!
