Grand challenges in entomology: Priorities for action in the coming decades

Luke, Sarah H., Roy, Helen E., Thomas, Chris D., Tilley, Luke A. N., Ward, Simon, Watt, Allan, Carnaghi, Manuela, Jaworski, Coline C., Tercel, Maximillian P. T. G., Woodrow, Charlie, and others. (2023) Grand challenges in entomology: Priorities for action in the coming decades. Insect Conservation and Diversity, 16 (2). pp. 173-189. ISSN 1752-458X. (doi:10.1111/icad.12637) (KAR id:108192)

PDF Publisher pdf Language: English This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Download this file (PDF/1MB)	Preview
Request a format suitable for use with assistive technology e.g. a screenreader
Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1111/icad.12637

Abstract

1. Entomology is key to understanding terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems at a time of unprecedented anthropogenic environmental change and offers substantial untapped potential to benefit humanity in a variety of ways, from improving agricultural practices to managing vector-borne diseases and inspiring technological advances.

2. We identified high priority challenges for entomology using an inclusive, open, and democratic four-stage prioritisation approach, conducted among the membership and affiliates (hereafter ‘members’) of the UK-based Royal Entomological Society (RES).

3. A list of 710 challenges was gathered from 189 RES members. Thematic analysis was used to group suggestions, followed by an online vote to determine initial priorities, which were subsequently ranked during an online workshop involving 37 participants.

4. The outcome was a set of 61 priority challenges within four groupings of related themes: (i) ‘Fundamental Research’ (themes: Taxonomy, ‘Blue Skies’ [defined as research ideas without immediate practical application], Methods and Techniques); (ii) ‘Anthropogenic Impacts and Conservation’ (themes: Anthropogenic

Impacts, Conservation Options); (iii) ‘Uses, Ecosystem Services and Disservices’ (themes: Ecosystem Benefits, Technology and Resources [use of insects as a resource, or as inspiration], Pests); (iv) ‘Collaboration, Engagement and Training’ (themes: Knowledge Access, Training and Collaboration, Societal Engagement).

5. Priority challenges encompass research questions, funding objectives, new technologies, and priorities for outreach and engagement. Examples include training taxonomists, establishing a global network of insect monitoring sites, understanding the extent of insect declines, exploring roles of cultivated insects in food supply chains, and connecting professional with amateur entomologists. Responses to different challenges could be led by amateur and professional entomologists, at all career stages.

6. Overall, the challenges provide a diverse array of options to inspire and initiate entomological activities and reveal the potential of entomology to contribute to addressing global challenges related to human health and well-being, and environmental change.

Item Type:	Article
DOI/Identification number:	10.1111/icad.12637
Subjects:	G Geography. Anthropology. Recreation > GE Environmental Sciences
Divisions:	Divisions > Division of Human and Social Sciences > School of Anthropology and Conservation > DICE (Durrell Institute of Conservation and Ecology)
Funders:	Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (https://ror.org/00cwqg982) Natural Environment Research Council (https://ror.org/02b5d8509)
Depositing User:	Natalia Zielonka
Date Deposited:	17 Jan 2025 09:40 UTC
Last Modified:	20 Jan 2025 11:51 UTC
Resource URI:	https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/108192 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Zielonka, Natalia B..

Creator's ORCID:	https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4195-9280
CReDIT Contributor Roles:

Depositors only (login required):

Altmetric

Total Views

Total unique views of this page since July 2020. For more details click on the image.