Fellows and Members can vote for new Trustees
Online voting is open to all members and fellows between 14 July and 21 August 2026.
Voting closes 11.59pm BST on 21 August 2026.
We have an exciting opportunity for new Trustees to join the RES team from September 2026. The elected Trustees will serve a four-year term and help build an exciting future for the Society and achieve its purpose to improve and communicate entomology.
The following roles for election are:
- Chair of the Library Committee
- Chair of the Scientific Policy and Science Committee
- Chair of the Membership Committee
- Treasurer and Chair of the Finance Committee
Elected candidates will be responsible for fostering communication with entomologists and members, promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion, and driving new member and fellow recruitment. The successful candidates will play a key role in shaping the future of the Society and ensuring its vision to enrich the world with insect science becomes a reality.
We believe that a diverse and engaged leadership team is crucial for driving the RES forward, and your vote will help determine the right candidate for this important role. Trustees ensure that the Society operates in the public benefit, complies with its bye-laws and the law, acts in the Society’s best interests, and manages resources responsibly for the benefit of its members and the entomological community.
We have fantastic candidates to choose from, ready and willing to actively contribute to the governance and strategic direction of the Society. Please take a moment to learn more about the candidates and cast your vote. Your participation in the election will play a significant role in the governance of the Society and its commitment to advancing entomological science.
View the candidates:
Click the images below to jump to a candidate
Darren Evans
(for Chair of Science, Policy and Society Committee)
Jess Knapp
(for Chair of Science, Policy and Society Committee)
Sajad Hussain Mir
(for Chair of Science, Policy and Society Committee)
Seirian Sumner
(for Chair of Library Committee)
Maximillian Tercel
(for Chair of Membership Committee)
Phil Murray
(for Chair of Finance Committee)
Candidates for Chair of Science, Policy and Society Committee
Chair of Science, Policy and Society Committee Candidate: Darren Evans
Please vote on the proposal of Darren Evans being appointed as Chair of Science, Policy and Society Committee.
“I would be honoured to serve as a Trustee of the Royal Entomological Society and to contribute to its mission at a pivotal moment for insect science.
I am Professor of Ecology and Conservation and Director of Expertise – Ecosystems at Newcastle University, where my work focuses on understanding and reversing biodiversity loss through the development and application of network science.
“My research has developed and applied network theory to study plant–animal interactions at scale, pioneered nested-tagging DNA metabarcoding for plant–insect and host–parasitoid networks, and helped demonstrate the direct link between artificial light at night and insect declines. Increasingly, my work sits at the science–policy–business interface, supporting nature recovery, sustainable farming and mitigation strategies that can be implemented in practice.
I would bring to the Society substantial experience in scientific leadership, governance and policy engagement. I currently serve on Defra’s Biodiversity Expert Committee, Forest Research’s Expert Committee on Forest Science and NERC’s Peer Review College, and I am Senior Editor of the Journal of Animal Ecology. I have also been Deputy Chair of the British Ecological Society’s Policy Committee, giving me direct experience of translating scientific evidence into policy influence and public value.
I am particularly keen to support the Society’s Science, Policy and Society work at a time when reversing insect declines is becoming an urgent research and policy priority. Entomology is producing powerful new evidence, but there remains a gap between discovery, policy action and public engagement.
As a Trustee, I would help the Society strengthen those connections, shape research agendas nationally and internationally, and inspire wider appreciation of the importance, diversity and wonder of insects, especially among the next generation of entomologists.”
Chair of Science, Policy and Society Committee Candidate: Jess Knapp
Please vote on the proposal of Jess Knapp being appointed as Chair of Science, Policy and Society Committee.
“The Royal Entomological Society plays a vital role in advancing insect science for the benefit of society and the environment.
I would be delighted to contribute to that mission as a Trustee and Chair of the Science, Policy, and Society Committee, helping to strengthen the Society’s role as a trusted, independent voice for evidence-based policy and practice.
“Throughout my career, I have sought to bridge the gap between research and real-world impact. As an applied environmental scientist, I develop policy- and practice-ready solutions to address land-use change and support insect conservation. My research integrates ecological and social science to understand not only which conservation measures are effective, but also how they can be successfully implemented across different contexts.
I believe scientific excellence achieves its greatest impact when translated into practical guidance that informs decision-making. I am a permanent researcher at Lund University, having recently returned from a lectureship at Trinity College Dublin. My work has involved close collaboration with policymakers, researchers, industry, and practitioners across Europe. I have presented my research at the European Parliament and the European Food Safety Authority, led policy briefs for the European Commission on restoring pollinator populations, and synthesised scientific evidence to inform government agencies on pollinator restoration.
Within the Royal Entomological Society, I currently serve on the Science, Policy, and Society Committee and led the Society’s 2025 position statement on pesticides for the UK Government. I was honoured to be elected a Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society in 2024. As Chair, I would provide collaborative and strategic leadership to enhance the Society’s influence, support its members, and ensure entomological science continues to inform national and international policy.
As a Trustee, I would bring experience at the science-policy interface, collaborative leadership, and a strong commitment to advancing the Society’s mission and impact.”
Chair of Science, Policy and Society Committee Candidate: Sajad Hussain Mir
Please vote on the proposal of Sajad Hussain Mir being appointed as Chair of Science, Policy and Society Committee.
“I am applying for the role of “Trustee-Chair of the Science, Policy and Society Committee” because I am committed to advancing entomological science and ensuring that scientific research contributes meaningfully to society.
As an Assistant Professor with a PhD in Entomology and more than eight years of experience in research, teaching, and agricultural extension, I have worked extensively on integrated pest management, biological control, insect taxonomy, and sustainable crop protection.
“Throughout my career, I have published peer-reviewed research, mentored students, collaborated with multidisciplinary teams, and communicated scientific findings to researchers, policymakers, and farming communities. My experience as an Associate Editor has strengthened my understanding of research quality, ethics, and scientific communication. If elected, I will work to strengthen the Society’s role in promoting evidence-based policy, supporting early-career researchers, encouraging international collaboration, and increasing public engagement with entomology.
As a scientist from India with experience in both developing and international research environments, I also hope to bring a broader global perspective and help build stronger links between researchers across different regions.
I would be honoured to contribute my scientific expertise, leadership, and commitment to the Royal Entomological Society, helping to ensure that the Society continues to promote excellence in entomological research while addressing the environmental and societal challenges of the future.”
Candidate for Chair of Library Committee
Please vote on the proposal of Seirian Sumner being appointed as Chair of Library Committee.
“I am a Professor of behavioural ecology at University College London. I study insects to understand their behaviour, ecology, evolution, their role in ecosystems, and our relationships with them using field ecology, genomics and sociology approaches.
I am especially interested in wasps as models to understand the evolution and mechanisms of behavioural responses to the environment, via phenotypic plasticity and trait evolution, especially in the context of social evolution; e.g. caste differentiation and life-history.
“More recently, I’ve ‘branched out’ into the largely over-looked solitary (stinging) wasps, exploring how their rich natural history can tell us about their life-history evolution; I’ve also dipped my toe into the infinite world of parasitoid wasps, through some fun collaborations. I am passionate about science outreach, with a mission to change people’s hearts and minds about wasp in particular!
I‘ve become interested in the ecological and cultural importance of wasps, and using these as a vehicle for shifting people’s perceptions of nature. I co-founded the Big Wasp Survey in 2017 – a citizen science project to engage the public with social wasps in their backyard. And in 2022 I published a popular science book ‘Endless Forms: Why You Should Love Wasps. I am currently a RES trustee and am standing for re-election because I’d love to continue supporting this fabulous organization in promoting insect science to scientists and the public.
I have had the pleasure of chairing the Library Committee over the last 4 years. I am extremely excited about the opportunities offered for the Library – from accessibility of the collections, to public-facing exhibition and events – with the pending move of HQ to London.
The new HQ will give the Library the space and facilities it deserves. I would be thrilled to continue my work as Chair, if you’ll have me back!”
Candidate for Chair of Membership Committee
Please vote on the proposal of Maximillian Tercel being appointed as Chair of Membership Committee.
“Joining the Royal Entomological Society in 2016 as an undergraduate student opened my eyes to the possibilities of a career in entomological science – and I’m very glad it did! Looking back over the last 10 years or so, I feel very lucky to have been supported by the RES throughout my studies and career thus far.
I want to make sure every member is supported, feels part of the community, and that membership of the RES is not just worthwhile, but a natural home for entomologists from all walks of life.
“If elected as Chair of the Membership Committee, my principal aim will be to listen to your needs as a member (yes, yours!) and ensure that The Society acts in your best interests. Moreover, I’m an early career entomologist, and therefore acutely aware of the complexities of membership during student / early career stages and will explore how membership options can take this into account more fully.
I gained valuable experience in organising and running conferences, meetings, and online events during my time as a Student Rep for the RES and subsequently as part of my postdoc responsibilities; I will use this experience to help guide conversations around membership if elected.
I am excited at the prospect of being more involved in the membership strategy of the RES and to help The Society continually adapt to the changing needs of the entomological community. I love being part of the RES community – let’s work together to make it even better!”
Candidate for Treasurer and Chair of Finance Committee
Please vote on the proposal of Phil Murray being appointed as Treasurer and Chair of Finance Committee.
“I have been a Fellow of The Royal Entomological Society since 1998 ad the Society has been a constant throughout my career and I recently joined the Finance Committee.
I spent 34 years working in the areas of grassland and soil entomology at Rothamsted Research, North Wyke and its antecedents.
“I currently hold a Honorary Professor position at The Royal Agricultural University, Cirencester. Since retiring I have held voluntary trustee positions at two charities, which is fulfilling in being able to give something back to organizations that has supported me and I am looking to do the same for the RES.
I therefore have considerably experience in the charity finance sector, being a Trustee and Honorable Treasurer of the British Grassland Society since 2019. I am also Vice-Chair of the Okehampton Foundation, a local charity, but with invested funds of over £13M from which the investment yield supports other charities and individuals. I regularly meet with investment managers, accountants and auditors to ensure growth ad probity of finances of the charities.
I believe that this is an exciting time for the society as we move into the new headquarters in London and with new projects on the horizon which will support the vision to ‘enrich the world with insect science’.”
How to cast your vote:
- You will need your membership number in order to vote . You can find your membership number on correspondence, in your account under ‘My Profile‘ or by emailing the RES team: info@royensoc.co.uk. If you do not enter this on your voting form, your vote will not be counted. This will be used to validate your ballot before votes are counted anonymously.
- Click the ‘Vote now‘ button below to fill a form and cast your vote for the candidates of your choice.
- Please only submit your vote once.
Timeframes
Voting will open on the 14 July 2026.
Voting will close on 21 August 2026.
The chosen Trustees will be elected at the AGM during Ento26 in September 2026, following online voting by the members and fellows of the Royal Entomological Society. Candidates will be notified of the results before the AGM. Council (the board of trustees) will announce the results at the AGM at Ento26 in September 2026.
You must be a current RES member to vote and will need your membership number. If you have not yet renewed your membership for 2026, please log in to your account or email the RES Team: info@royensoc.co.uk.
Successful candidates will start their roles as Trustees and Committee Chairs at the next AGM during Ento26.
Any details provided as part of the voting process will be treated in accordance with the Society’s Privacy Policy. Votes will be counted anonymously.
Deadline for voting: 21 August 2026
