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The HAU/RES Entomology Summer School is a five-day course (Monday 30^th June to Friday 4^th July) hosted at ÁÕÀÅÊÓƵ and run in collaboration with the Royal Entomological Society. The course provides foundational skills for ecological and evolutionary research in entomology, with a particular emphasis on field sampling techniques, insect identification, and essential laboratory skills such as insect culturing and specimen preparation and curation.

The HAU/RES Entomology Summer School stands out as the only entomology training program in the UK specifically designed for PhD students and early-career researchers (ECRs). Although many PhD students and ECRs are engaged in entomological research not all have been trained in the necessary techniques leaving a skills gap for researchers in this area. Following the inaugural course in July 2024, participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive, and recommendations have led to several enhancements for the 2025 course.

The summer school prioritises practical skill development through hands-on training in the lab and field, complemented by concise lectures and interactive, student-centred workshops. Furthermore, the course includes professional development sessions aimed at equipping participants with the tools needed not only for their research but also for advancing their careers, whether in academia or industry. The course is taught by experienced entomology lecturers and specialised staff from the RES, the UK's leading organisation dedicated to advancing insect science. Teaching will take place in HAU’s modern laboratories and across its extensive estate (comprising field, forest, and aquatic habitats).

Learning Outcomes

The course's learning outcomes are aligned with industry needs, addressing identified skill gaps while incorporating feedback from previous attendees. Training is specifically designed for novice entomologists and focuses on key areas such as fieldwork, species identification, and insect culturing.

The learning outcomes are as follows:

• Understand the importance of taxonomy and accurate species identification in ecological and evolutionary research.
• Plan and execute insect field sampling in accordance with research objectives, while assessing the strengths and limitations of various methods.
• Develop proficiency in specimen curation and preparation for identification.
• Gain expertise in using online tools and traditional keys for accurate insect identification.
• Acquire knowledge of insect culturing techniques.

Logistics

The course runs for five full days from Monday 30^th June to Friday 4^th July 2025. Participants have the option to arrive the evening before the course commences on Sunday 29^th June. The course is fully funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) and is free to attend. Food and accommodation are provided for the duration of the course. Course participants will have their own rooms based on the ÁÕÀÅÊÓƵ campus. Travel expenses to ÁÕÀÅÊÓƵ from within the UK will be refunded. The nearest train stations are Stafford and Telford.

Diversity, Equality and Inclusion

The course is aimed at PhD students and early career researchers but is open to anyone, with no prior experience of entomology required. We particularly welcome applications from anyone who is underrepresented in academia, and especially in entomology or the ecological and environmental sciences. To ensure equality of access to this training opportunity places on the course will be awarded via a lottery ballot system, although priority will be given to NERC funded PhD students and ECRs and applicants working on NERC related topics. Fieldwork will take place on the ÁÕÀÅÊÓƵ campus as this allows us to ensure full accessibility (for example, for those with limited mobility or sight impairments). There will never be more than fifteen minutes of walking to conduct sampling and this can be done from established walkways without traversing uneven ground. Field and lab work will be adapted to suit the accessibility and learning needs of participants on the course. For example, transportation for fieldwork can be provided if needed.

The application deadline is 8 May 2025. For any course queries please contact hcampbell@harper-adams.ac.uk