Outreach activities at the Royal Entomological Society aim to increase public understanding of entomology.
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Our 2025-2028 Strategic Priority 2 is to ‘Increase public understanding of insect science’, with key objectives to: share insect science and research innovatively to a wide audience, encouraging curiosity and debate, create a network of RES Ambassadors to
communicate insect science to new audiences, promote the work of the Society and study of insects to engage new audiences, Champion entomology in education to inspire the next generation of insect scientists.
We are also guided by our Outreach Committee, chaired by RES Trustee Dr Hayley Jones.
Events
Insect Week is our annual public campaign each June where we Stand Tall for the Small and promote engagement with insects. We deliver events with collaborators and partners, and cooridinate a promotional campaign. Find out how you can take part on the Insect Week website, along with details of our competitions and database of learning resources.
The Society attends exhibitions, fairs and festivals to share the importance of entomology. We have been a feature partner at New Scientist Live since 2022, delivering exhibits and stage shows.
The Verrall Lecture
The Society organises an annual public lecture on entomology every March, you can find out about previous speakers and find links to watch previous lectures on the Verrall page.
From 2020 we have collaborated with the Amateur Entomologists’ Society to organse the Young Verrall Lecture, given by the same speaker but for young people, as part of the Staffordshire Invertebrate Science Fair.
Check our events page to see details of the next Verrall lectures.
Publications
How to be a… book series
This series, published with DK Children in 2025 and 2026, are for reading age 5-7 years and take readers on engaging stories of insects through their lives, in graphic novel format.
Insects in green spaces
This guide offers an overview of the different types of insects, with advice on how you might create a place for them to live in a green space near you.
INSTAR Magazine
We publish a digital magazine for young entomologists. Find out more about insects and those people who study them on the Insect Week website.
Competitions
Photography Competition
We run an annual insect photography competition, which attracts entries from all over the world, with categories for under and over 18 year olds.
Knowledge Exchange
Special Interest Group
The Society’s Outreach, Culture & Education focusses on how entomologists communicate with different audiences, and how insects play a role in different parts of our lives. The group meets annually, and is convened by Dr Wendy Harris.
Funding & Awards
Looking for funds to support your insect outreach activities?
Student Outreach Fund
The Student Outreach Fund supports the communication and public engagement activities of students.
RES Student Members (Undergraduate and Postgraduate) can apply for up to £500.
RES Goodman Fund
The RES Goodman Fund supports projects that advance public understanding and appreciation of insect science in recognition of insect physiologist Lesley J Goodman.
RES Fellows and Members can apply for up to £3,000.
Student Science Communication Award
The Student Science Communcatino Award recognises outstanding insect science writing by students
Students (Undergraduate & Postgraduate) can enter.
Staff & Volunteers
The Society employs staff dedicated to insect outreach and learning, if you would like more information please contact Fran Sconce.
We work with volunteers for many of our events, have a look at the RES vacancies page for any upcoming opportunities.
