The Entomological Club: Celebrating entomology through the centuries

Dr Helen Roy, an ecological entomologist at CEH, was recently invited to become a member of the Entomological Club. She writes more about the honour:

Founded in 1826, the Entomological Club is the oldest entomological society in the world. It has an amazing history encompassing many entomological heroes. The membership is restricted to just eight people at any one time, but it would be impossible to estimate the extensive global outreach of the Club. I have personally benefited from the generous mentoring, encouragement and guidance provided by the members over the years.

So imagine my delight, and utter surprise, when I received an invitation to become a member of the Entomological Club. I have the honour of being only the second female member, following (with intimidation) the incredible Miriam Rothschild.

The current membership includes Professor Jeremy Thomas, Professor Helmut van Emden, Professor Paul Brakefield, Professor Simon Leather, Dr Chris Lyal, Dr Richard Lane and Clive Farrell. They have all made unique and inspiring contributions to entomology but perhaps even more importantly they have shared their enthusiasm with diverse audiences in many different ways. It is unsurprising then that I reflect, with a slight sense of awe, at the incredible achievements of the Entomological Club but I am looking forward to being a small part of its long history.

Helen (centre) with Phd students Sandra Viglasova (left)
and Katie Murray (right) at the 2015 Verrall Supper.

The Entomological Club awards small grants, organises meetings and generally works to advance entomology. Within the entomological community it is best known for organising the Verrall Supper, an annual event in which hundreds of entomologists meet – it is hard to avoid the cliché that the atmosphere simply buzzes! Last week (4 March 2015) I attended the Verrall Supper as the newest member of the Entomological Club and it was wonderful to celebrate the legacy of entomology with so many people.

I had the pleasure of accompanying a few of my students and enjoyed many varied discussions (admittedly slightly skewed to ladybirds, but with more than a brief mention of parasitic wasps and fungi!).

I am sure all the discussions around the room were as lively and exciting as they have been over the centuries and I look forward to many more in the future.

Helen Roy

Related links

Staff page of Dr Helen Roy

The Entomological Club