Event Details

Speaker: Professor Maharaj K. Pandit is Professor and Dean at the Jindal School of Environment & Sustainability, O.P. Jindal Global University, and currently Ngee Ann Kongsi Distinguished Visiting Professor in NUS. His research focuses on Himalayan ecology, conservation and sustainability that follows a synthesis approach to understanding interconnectedness of ecological patterns, evolutionary processes, and biotic extinctions driven by land-use changes resulting from large-scale developmental projects. Prof. Pandit is featured in the Stanford University List 2023 among the top 2% of the most influential global scientists.

Synopsis: Movement of species across geographies, through geological ages of Earth, has shaped its biodiversity distribution. Plant and animal species are aided in their voyages across continents by their reproductive propagules or by natural forces of air, water, and animals including humans. Earth surface processes such as continental drift also play a major role in species’ distributions. An interesting biogeographic question is: If species’ geographic distribution is a natural phenomenon, is the native-alien debate, spurred by invasion biology, relevant or even necessary? Using Singapore and Southeast Asia, as a major biotic invasion epicentre, the talk will explore these historical narratives (e.g., Wallace’s description of vegetation in Malayan Archipelago as inferior to the beauty of English plants) and examine various concepts in invasion science, and attempt to provide answers to these questions, and raise many more.

Registration starts at 6.30pm.

Terms & Conditions

1. Open to NUS Community and Alumni
2. Registration for the event is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
3. The organiser reserves the right to make changes to the event programme - including but not limited to speakers, schedule, and content - without prior notice.
4. The organiser reserves the right to cancel or reschedule the event due to unforeseen circumstances beyond the organiser's control. Registered participants will be notified via email or other means of communication provided during registration.
5. By participating in the event, participants agree to indemnify the organiser from any claims, damages, losses, or expenses arising out of their participation.
6. Participants acknowledge that photographs, videos, or audio recordings may be taken during the event, and agree to grant the organiser the right to use such media for promotional or documentation purposes.