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Grand challenges in entomology: Priorities for action in the coming decades
Insect Conservation and Diversity, Volume: 16, Issue: 2, Pages: 173 - 189
Swansea University Author:
James Bull
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DOI (Published version): 10.1111/icad.12637
Abstract
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 inspi...
Published in: | Insect Conservation and Diversity |
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ISSN: | 1752-458X 1752-4598 |
Published: |
Wiley
2023
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Online Access: |
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URI: | https://cronfa.swan.ac.uk/Record/cronfa63065 |
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Abstract: |
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.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).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.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).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.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. |
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College: |
Faculty of Science and Engineering |
Funders: |
Royal Entomological Society; UKRI Natural Environment Research Council, Grant/Award Number: NE/V006533/1; Rural & Environment Science & Analytical Services Division of the Scottish Government; Horizon 2020 EU, Grant/Award Number: 862480; Alexander von Humboldt Foundation; Department of Agriculture, Environment & Rural Affairs; Center for Environmental and Sustainability Research; FCT/MCTES, Grant/Award Number: UID/AMB/04085/2020; UKRI Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council, Grant/Award Number: BBS/E/C/000J0200; UKRI Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council Norwich Research Park Biosciences Doctoral Training Partnership, Grant/Award Number: BB/M011216/1; UKRI Natural Environment Research Council, Grant/Award Number: NE/N014472/2 |
Issue: |
2 |
Start Page: |
173 |
End Page: |
189 |