RES publishes its first ever impact report
The Royal Entomological Society (RES) is in an exciting phase, empowered by our 2022-2025
strategy, which sets out our aims to broaden the appeal of entomology and to “enrich the world
with insect science.”
Throughout 2023 and 2024 we continued to improve the communication and perception of entomology through various public engagement, collaboration and outreach activities. We also worked with schools and educational organisations to encourage a future generation of entomological enthusiasts. Our annual Insect Week photography and art competitions continue to reach new audiences and in 2023 we attended the New Scientist Live festival. In May 2023 the RES exhibited a garden at the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. It has now been relocated as a permanent educational and research space, at Stratford Cross, adjacent to the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in East London.
In the last year we have further developed our support for the entomological community by increasing journal publication output, furthering access to our library, hosting new events, conferences and meetings and offering financial support through our grants and awards. In 2023, following feedback from a membership survey, all full members and fellows were given free access to our seven scientific journals, including the back catalogues dating back to 1836. We also launched an ‘Associate Member’ option for newly qualified entomologists or enthusiasts who wish to support the work of the Society. Our membership increased to our greatest ever levels in the last year, and we would like to take this opportunity to welcome our new Members and Fellows.
We are proud to be increasing our contributions to UK government policy and public affairs. In 2023 the RES submitted evidence to the UK Parliament Science, Innovation and Technology Committee inquiry on Insect Decline and UK Food Security. The Society has also contributed to the work of the Natural England Species Reintroduction Taskforce. These collaborative efforts highlight the importance of insect science to policy makers.
Our conservation science team continues to advise and monitor nearly forty sites across Somerset and Gloucestershire. Our nature reserve, Daneway Banks, jointly owned with Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust, provides a haven for insects in the heart of the UK and was featured in the 2023 BBC series Wild Isles, narrated by Sir David Attenborough. Our Conservation Special Interest Group also held a successful event at Daneway Banks in 2023, partnering with the Botanical Society of the British Isles.
Over the next year, the RES will work hard on behalf of its members and wider entomological community to realise our vision to enrich the world with insect science. We will continue to champion the Grand Challenges in Entomology, following its publication in Insect Conservation and Diversity in 2023. Throughout 2024 we will develop our next strategy in consultation with our membership and stakeholders to drive insect science forward over the next three years.
Collaboration remains essential for success and we will continue to increase partnerships that highlight the growing impact and relevance of entomology.
Thank you to all our members, fellows and supporters for your continued support.
President Jane Hill & CEO Simon Ward
