Biological invasions are a major component of global change, posing significant threats to biodiversity and natural resources. This review highlights recent advances in understanding the impacts of biological invasions and the challenges faced by invasion science in its interactions with society. The field of invasion science, which combines ecology, social sciences, resource management, and public perception, is increasingly scrutinized. While the rate of invasions and their consequences are growing, the need for invasion science is sometimes questioned. Biological invasions can have both positive and negative impacts, depending on the perspective. For example, some introduced species may provide ecological benefits, such as habitat for birds, but can also harm native species and ecosystems. The impacts of invasions are often difficult to evaluate, uncertain, delayed, and pervasive. They can affect ecosystems, economies, and societies in complex ways. Prevention is the priority in managing invasions, followed by early detection and rapid response, and finally long-term management. Effective prevention strategies, such as improved biosecurity and ballast water treatment, can significantly reduce the risk of invasions. Early detection and rapid response are critical to preventing the establishment and spread of invasive species. Eradication is often more cost-effective than long-term management, but it requires careful consideration of ecological and social impacts. Invasion science also faces challenges in communicating with society, as public perceptions of non-native species can vary widely. Some species are viewed as beneficial, while others are seen as harmful. Invasion scientists must navigate these perceptions and ensure that their work is understood and valued by the public and policymakers. The future of invasion science lies in improving understanding of the impacts of invasions, developing better metrics for quantifying and categorizing these impacts, and integrating ecological knowledge with socioeconomic considerations. This will require collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and the public to develop effective strategies for managing invasions and protecting biodiversity. The goal is to balance the need for prevention and management with the broader objectives of maintaining biodiversity and sustainable resource use.Biological invasions are a major component of global change, posing significant threats to biodiversity and natural resources. This review highlights recent advances in understanding the impacts of biological invasions and the challenges faced by invasion science in its interactions with society. The field of invasion science, which combines ecology, social sciences, resource management, and public perception, is increasingly scrutinized. While the rate of invasions and their consequences are growing, the need for invasion science is sometimes questioned. Biological invasions can have both positive and negative impacts, depending on the perspective. For example, some introduced species may provide ecological benefits, such as habitat for birds, but can also harm native species and ecosystems. The impacts of invasions are often difficult to evaluate, uncertain, delayed, and pervasive. They can affect ecosystems, economies, and societies in complex ways. Prevention is the priority in managing invasions, followed by early detection and rapid response, and finally long-term management. Effective prevention strategies, such as improved biosecurity and ballast water treatment, can significantly reduce the risk of invasions. Early detection and rapid response are critical to preventing the establishment and spread of invasive species. Eradication is often more cost-effective than long-term management, but it requires careful consideration of ecological and social impacts. Invasion science also faces challenges in communicating with society, as public perceptions of non-native species can vary widely. Some species are viewed as beneficial, while others are seen as harmful. Invasion scientists must navigate these perceptions and ensure that their work is understood and valued by the public and policymakers. The future of invasion science lies in improving understanding of the impacts of invasions, developing better metrics for quantifying and categorizing these impacts, and integrating ecological knowledge with socioeconomic considerations. This will require collaboration between scientists, policymakers, and the public to develop effective strategies for managing invasions and protecting biodiversity. The goal is to balance the need for prevention and management with the broader objectives of maintaining biodiversity and sustainable resource use.