Entomology and the Australian Entomological Society

The Australian Entomological Society was founded in 1965 and provides a journal of world-class and annual scientific meetings for members. The world-wide impact of entomology publications is growing faster than that of the Australian Journal of Entomology, and membership of the society is declining slowly. In a recent survey members were generally happy with the society, but much of the exciting research involving insects is probably being published in specialist journals. Challenges identified for the future include building membership through greater connection with amateur entomologists and with students interested in ecology and insects. The growth area for entomology is seen to be in the application of insect biodiversity to the sustainable management of Australia's ecosystems. This special issue of the journal includes 10 papers illustrating the breadth and depth of entomology in the society.