Looking to the future of Key questions in Physiological Entomology
Physiological Entomology is one of the oldest journals of the Royal Entomological Society. For over 100 years, it has published research on how insects work and adapt to their environments. This broad scope spans all biological levels and disciplines, including molecular genetics, morphology and ecology. We are particularly interested in mechanisms, hence our journal tagline ‘How Insects Work: From Genotype to Phenotype’
Now, Physiological Entomology is looking to the future. In their latest editorial, “Key questions in Physiological Entomology”, the journal editorial board has carried out a horizon scan to put forward what they see as the key research questions for now and the future. In simple terms, Physiological Entomology considers “How insects work” and the questions all relate to how we can understand insect function better.
Five major themes were identified from the questions put forward and we are excited to see these shape the future of research published in the journal:
- Environmental adaptation
- Interactions with other organisms
- Phenotypic plasticity
- Reproduction
- Nutrition
The editorial presents an overview of the key questions and their backgrounds, within the above themes. Whilst these questions don’t cover the whole scope of the journal we see them as key areas for future research and hope that they will provide inspiration for grant proposals as well as journal submissions.
If you have an idea for a review or research article based on these questions and would like to discuss it with the editors please contact the journal at phen@royensoc.co.uk.
“I welcome this editorial with key questions. Research questions form the, sometimes underappreciated, creative part of science during which future novel research is planned. Having appropriate research questions is essential for development of new research proposals and we hope considering these questions will not only help our community improve publications but also become more competitive in winning research funding.”
– Toby J.A. Bruce, Editor in Chief Physiological Entomology
