Several broad research challenges of national concern were identified by NRC reports (NRC 2001, 2003). These include biodiversity, species composition, and ecosystem functioning; ecological aspects of biogeochemical cycles; ecological implications of climate change; ecology and evolution of infectious diseases; land use and habitat alteration; and invasive species. A workshop was convened in March to focus on the design of NEON in relation to invasive species, and this report presents its recommendations. Three unresolved, high-priority issues in invasive species research surfaced, and research priorities and scientific requirements were identified for each. Using the guidelines established by the workshop participants, key aspects of NEON's design emerged and are described below.
