On 20 June 2025, the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences at Ovidius University of Constanța, hosted a half-day workshop where OneSTOP’s Living Lab in Romania was launched. Bringing together researchers, public authorities, NGOs and private sector representatives, the event introduced the Living Lab model and marked the start of a collaborative process to explore solutions for invasive alien species (IAS) management.

The workshop focused on the Dobrogea Region, an area in South-East Romania which is facing mounting pressure from invasive alien species. Throughout the event participants shared insights in open discussions and got acquainted with OneSTOP’s objectives. They were also introduced to innovative technologies for effective early detection and monitoring of IAS. 

Participants in the workshop were unanimous that collaboration between sectors and planning a long-term response is the way to safeguard Romania’s biodiversity from IAS. The Living Lab launch was also marked by a drone demonstration. 

The Romanian Living Lab is one of five pilot sites across Europe where OneSTOP technologies will be tested in partnership with local stakeholders. Insights gathered through these activities will feed into the further development and optimisation of innovative IAS detection systems designed to support rapid and efficient responses to biological invasions.