About

Insects are arguably the most dangerous and also the most beneficial creatures on the planet.

While certain insects are responsible for spreading deadly diseases, destroying crops, and damaging property, others are necessary for life on Earth due to their roles as pollinators, decomposers, and providers of other natural services. Entomologists have the unique ability to enhance the quality of human life while simultaneously protecting the environment and genetic biodiversity. Medical entomologists are discovering ways to mitigate insect vectors of diseases such as malaria, which is responsible for the death of one child each minute according to the World Health Organization. Other entomologists who study interactions between insects and plants are improving food security by protecting crops and are preserving natural habitats by hindering invasive species that are increasingly being spread by international trade and climate change. Entomologists can positively impact the future of mankind.

Since insects do not respect national borders, the best approach for addressing insect-related challenges is through collaborative, international efforts.

As the largest insect-science society in the world, the Entomological Society of America (ESA) is leading a global initiative to engage and empower other entities worldwide to take on grand challenges we face in the coming decades. The effort is bringing together top scientists, policymakers, industry groups, NGOs, funders, and other organizations to create alliance-based coalitions to implement sustainable solutions to some of the world’s insect-based problems.  The aim is to assemble an international coalition that has expertise on relevant subject matter, standing with local authorities to implement these systems, and the organizational persistence to continue the program for decades into the future.

This initiative represents a paradigm shift, enabling members of the scientific community to become proactive partners in leading solutions to global problems. Future grand challenges will focus on building coalitions to increase agricultural production sustainably in Africa, tracking and preventing invasive species around the world, combating biodiversity loss, and protecting and improving the health of pollinators and other beneficial insects.

The Entomological Society of America is leading this collaborative effort by building partnerships and sustainable funding and implementation models. ESA invites entomological societies and other entities worldwide to take part in these efforts.

Download an Introductory Handout about the Grand Challenge Agenda for Entomology in the following languages:

Download a Draft Proposal for an International Effort to Suppress Mosquito-Vectored Human Disease in the Americas in the following languages:

For more information or to become more involved, please contact the Entomology Society of America at esa@entsoc.org.