Grand challenges in entomology: Priorities for action in the coming decades
Authors: 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 , Aown Susmita , Banfield‐Zanin Jennifer A. , Barnsley Sarah L. , Berger Iris , Brown Mark J. F. , Bull James C. , Campbell Heather , Carter Ruth A. B. , Charalambous Magda , Cole Lorna J. , Ebejer Martin J. , Farrow Rachel A. , Fartyal Rajendra S. , Grace Miriam , Highet Fiona , Hill Jane K. , Hood Amelia S. C. , Kent Eleanor S. , Krell Frank‐Thorsten , Leather Simon R. , Leybourne Daniel J. , Littlewood Nick A. , Lyons Ashley , Matthews Graham , Mc Namara Louise , Menéndez Rosa , Merrett Peter , Mohammed Sajidha , Murchie Archie K. , Noble Michael , Paiva Maria‐Rosa , Pannell Michael J. , Phon Chooi‐Khim , Port Gordon , Powell Charlotte , Rosell Stewart , Sconce Francisca , Shortall Chris R. , Slade Eleanor M. , Sutherland Jamie P. , Weir Jamie C. , Williams Christopher D. , Zielonka Natalia B. , Dicks Lynn V. 
Published: March 2023

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.