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Thomas Pape is a Professor at The Natural History Museum of the University of Copenhagen, specializing in the systematics, taxonomy, phylogeny, biogeography and evolution of Diptera (two-winged insects), with special emphasis on Calyptratae families including Sarcophagidae, Oestridae, and Calliphoridae. He has been a professor since 2025 after serving as an Associate Professor from 2004-2024. PhD from Copenhagen University (1990) Docent at Stockholm University (1998) Associate Professor at Danish Bilharziasis Laboratory (1990-1992) Research Entomologist at Naturhistoriska Riksmuseet, Stockholm (1994-2004) His research spans taxonomy, systematics, phylogeny, biogeography and evolution of Diptera with special emphasis on calyptrate families. He collaborates on Systema Dipterorum, conducts comparative larval morphology studies, and investigates the phylogeny of Calyptrata. His work includes Diptera nomenclature and large-scale biodiversity inventories. Analysis of his recent publications reveals a strong trend toward molecular phylogenetics (using RAD-seq and anchored phylogenomics), forensic entomology applications, and biodiversity informatics. His research spans entomology, systematics, evolutionary biology, and increasingly intersects with bioinformatics and conservation science, with significant contributions to understanding flesh flies, bot flies, and blow flies. President of the International Council of Zoological Nomenclature (since 2016) Chair of the Council for the International Congresses of Dipterology (2010-2018) Member of editorial boards for Entomotropica, Studia dipterologica, Stuttgarter Beiträge zur Naturkunde, and Tijdschrift voor Entomologie Dr. Pape teaches courses in Entomology (structure, phylogeny and biology of terrestrial arthropods), Field Biology II - Zoology, and Ecology and Evolution of East Africa (a 2-week field course in Tanzania with Nikolaj Scharff). He has served on scientific panels for SYNTHESYS and as chair of the scientific advisory committee for Museum Koenig in Bonn (2006-2009). His research group employs both morphological and molecular approaches to address evolutionary questions in Diptera, with particular expertise in calyptrate families. The laboratory maintains active international collaborations across multiple continents, as evidenced by his extensive publication record and research network.

• Systematics
• Taxonomy
• Phylogeny
• +7 more

Corrie Moreau is the Martha N. & John C. Moser Professor of Arthropod Biosystematics and Biodiversity at Cornell University, serving as Director & Curator of the Cornell University Insect Collection. She holds affiliations with the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and the College of Arts and Sciences. Her research focuses on symbiotic factors driving speciation, adaptation, and diversification in insects, particularly ants. Moreau’s work integrates molecular methods, next-generation sequencing, and field-based research to study biodiversity across scales. Education: Ph.D. in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology from Harvard University (2007), M.Sc. in Biology from San Francisco State University/California Academy of Sciences (2003), B.S. in Biology from San Francisco State University (2000). Research Interests: Evolutionary patterns/processes, organismal biology, plant-animal interactions, chemical ecology, sustainability, and microbiome dynamics. Her lab (Moreau Lab) investigates ant-microbe symbioses, host-microbe interactions, and the role of symbioses in macroevolutionary processes. Recent work includes studies on ant phylogenetics, gut microbiome evolution, and the impact of invasive species on native ecosystems. Publications highlight her contributions to understanding ant evolution, microbial symbiosis, and biogeography. Grants include NSF-funded projects on ant genomics and symbiosis. She advocates for natural history collections and their role in biodiversity research and education.

• Evolutionary Patterns and Processes
• Organismal Biology
• Plant-animal Interactions
• +13 more

Dr. Michael Ivie is a Professor in the Department of Plant Sciences & Plant Pathology at Montana State University (MSU), affiliated with the College of Agriculture. His research focuses on insect systematics, faunistics, and taxonomy, with a particular emphasis on beetles and bees. He holds a Ph.D. in Systematic Entomology from The Ohio State University (1985), an M.S. in Entomology (1981), and a B.S. in Entomology from the University of California, Davis (1977). His research contributions include groundbreaking work on beetle phylogenetics, integrative taxonomy of Coleoptera, and biodiversity studies of North American insects. Notable projects include phylogenomic analyses of Phengodidae and revisions of Lycidae genera. He has authored or co-authored numerous articles in journals like the Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society and The Coleopterists Bulletin. Grants: Exotic Woodborer traps (MDA), Pollinator Surveys (US Forest Service), Wild Bees of Montana (MDA/BLM), and biodiversity studies funded by BLM. Awards: Nominated for Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society (1991) and Honorary Member of the Coleopterists Society (2009). Service: Editor for Zootaxa and ZooKeys, former President of the Bozeman Creek Neighborhood Association, and President of the Coleopterists Society. Dr. Ivie is the Curator of the Montana Entomology Collection (MTEC), a major repository of North American invertebrates, with strengths in Coleoptera, Diptera, and Apoidea. The collection supports regional and global research, including studies on pollinators and aquatic insects.

• Insect Systematics
• Beetles
• Bees
• +3 more

Wolfram Mey serves as Curator of the Lepidoptera and Trichoptera Collection (Butterflies, Moths, Caddisflies) at the Museum of Natural History, Leibniz Institute for Evolution and Biodiversity Research in Berlin since 1990. His role encompasses collection management, providing specialized services to the international entomological community, and public outreach through lectures and information dissemination. Education: Biology studies at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (1973-1978) Doctorate in Natural Sciences (Dr. rer. nat.) from Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg (1980) Dr. Mey's research centers on the taxonomy, phylogeny, biogeography, and biodiversity of Lepidoptera and Trichoptera in the Old World, with significant fieldwork in southwestern Africa, the Philippines, and Colombia. His work integrates morphological analysis with ecological and historical biogeographical frameworks to document species diversity in understudied regions. Key methodologies include systematic revision of genera, fauna inventories, and development of identification tools for complex insect groups. His publication record demonstrates sustained focus on African Lepidoptera systematics (particularly the Brandberg Massif in Namibia) and global Trichoptera diversity. Recent works emphasize field-based inventory projects in biodiverse hotspots like the Colombian Páramo, reflecting a commitment to documenting micro-endemic species in threatened ecosystems. The 2002 Trichoptera symposium proceedings highlight his role in fostering international taxonomic collaboration. Research Leadership: Basic pattern of Lepidoptera diversity in southwestern Africa Identification book for Lepidoptera of southwestern Africa Caddisfly fauna survey of the Philippines Trichoptera and Micro-Lepidoptera inventory in Colombia's Páramo

• Taxonomy
• Biodiversity
• Biogeography
• +5 more

Peter Wilf is a Professor in the Department of Geosciences at Pennsylvania State University's College of Earth & Mineral Sciences. His research focuses on fossil plants as indicators of past climates, biodiversity, and environmental disturbances from the latest Cretaceous through middle Eocene (~67-45 million years ago). Wilf leads significant research projects including the Origins of Southeast Asian Rainforests from Paleobotany and Machine Learning and the Patagonia Paleofloras Project. His research interests span paleobotany, paleoclimatology, plant-insect interactions, and biogeography, with emphasis on how deep-time data illuminate modern ecosystems and their responses to anthropogenic change. Wilf's work primarily focuses on the latest Cretaceous through middle Eocene, examining global disturbances including warming and cooling events, the end-Cretaceous mass extinction, and recovery periods. His research has significant implications for understanding climate change, biodiversity conservation, and ecosystem dynamics. Wilf's extensive publication record demonstrates consistent high-impact research across paleobotany, with recent work focusing on Southeast Asian rainforests, Patagonian paleofloras, and the connections between Gondwanan landmasses. His research integrates fieldwork in Patagonia and Southeast Asia with advanced analytical techniques, including machine learning applications for fossil leaf identification. Fellow, American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) 2022 Wilson Award for Excellence in Research, Penn State College of Earth & Mineral Sciences 2022 Fellow, Paleontological Society 2017 Fellow, Geological Society of America 2016 Paul F. Robertson Research Breakthrough of the Year Award, Penn State College of Earth & Mineral Sciences 2016 George W. Atherton Award for Excellence in Teaching, Pennsylvania State University 2013 Wilf maintains an active research program with numerous NSF-funded projects and international collaborations. He leads a productive lab group conducting extensive fieldwork in Patagonia, Argentina, and Southeast Asia. His research has transformed understanding of Southern Hemisphere floras, the role of Patagonia in plant evolution, and connections between ancient and modern ecosystems across continents. Wilf's laboratory serves as a hub for paleobotanical research, bringing together students, postdocs, and international collaborators to study fossil plant collections from around the world. The lab integrates traditional paleobotanical methods with cutting-edge technologies including machine learning for fossil identification and advanced imaging techniques for detailed morphological analysis.

• Paleobotany
• Paleobiology
• Paleoclimatology
• +5 more

Bruce H. Alexander, PhD, serves as Professor and Division Head of Environmental Health Sciences at the University of Minnesota's School of Public Health. His educational background includes a PhD in Epidemiology from the University of Washington (1994), an MS in Environmental Health from Colorado State University (1987), and a BS in the same field from Colorado State University (1984). Dr. Alexander is an occupational and environmental epidemiologist whose research spans environmental determinants of cancer and respiratory disease, injury prevention and control, One Health approaches, agricultural population health, and global health initiatives. His work emphasizes multidisciplinary approaches to address complex public health problems and building public health research and practice capacity. His expertise encompasses occupational and environmental epidemiology, environmental exposures, infectious disease, injuries, occupational health, One Health frameworks, global health, and agricultural health. Analysis of his recent publications (2019-2024) reveals a continued focus on occupational exposures, environmental health risks, and injury epidemiology across diverse populations and settings. His research demonstrates methodological diversity including cohort studies, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses addressing chemical exposures, UV radiation risks, temperature-related injuries, and mineral particle exposures in mining contexts. Scientific Recognition Member, Delta Omega Honorary Society in Public Health Mayo Professor of Public Health, School of Public Health, University of Minnesota (2016) Faculty Excellence Award, Division of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Minnesota (2002) Dr. Alexander maintains active professional affiliations with major epidemiological organizations including the Society for Epidemiologic Research, International Society for Environmental Epidemiology, American College of Epidemiology, International Commission on Occupational Health, and Delta Omega. His work through the Upper Midwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center (UMASH) and Midwest Center for Occupational Health and Safety demonstrates commitment to translating research into practice for worker safety and health.

• Occupational Epidemiology
• Environmental Epidemiology
• Cancer Epidemiology
• +7 more

Dr. Lyn Cook is an Associate Professor specializing in evolutionary biology and systematics at the University of Queensland. Her research examines plant-insect interactions, biogeographic patterns, and taxonomic relationships using molecular phylogenetics. Research focuses on: Australian flora and insect coevolution Historical biogeography of Southern Hemisphere taxa Taxonomic revisions using genomic data Cryptic species discovery Conservation prioritization Recent work addresses taxonomic controversies in Eucalyptus classification and resolves biogeographic origins of Australian arachnids using phylogenetic methods. Fieldwork spans Australian biomes from rainforests to arid zones.

• Plant-Insect Coevolution
• Biogeography
• Molecular Phylogenetics
• +2 more

Alfons Oude Lansink is a Professor and Chairholder in Business Economics at Wageningen University, Netherlands. He holds adjunct professorships at Universitas Padjadjaran (Indonesia) and the University of Florida (USA), and serves on the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture's CDM committee and Rabobank's scientific advisory board. His academic career spans roles as director of Wageningen School of Social Sciences (WASS) and Secretary-General of the European Association of Agricultural Economists. Education: MSc and PhD in Agricultural Economics from Wageningen University Leadership: Head of Business Economics group since 2003 His research focuses on dynamic technical and economic efficiency , sustainable performance of food supply chains , and economics of plant health . Recent work examines climate adaptation strategies, circular economy applications, and cross-border agri-food innovation dynamics using advanced econometric models. Key projects include MINDSTEP (modeling farm decisions), Closing the Loop (insect-based agriculture), and Food Pro-tec-ts (transboundary food technologies). Publications address topics like: Technical efficiency in dairy and arable farming Economic impacts of climate change on agriculture Corporate social responsibility in food manufacturing Policy evaluation for biogas and organic farming He serves as: Secretary/Treasurer of agricultural economics journal foundation Advisor to Universitas Padjadjaran (Indonesia) on policy and PhD supervision Editorial board member of Agronomy Journal and European Review of Agricultural Economics

• Dynamic Technical and Economic Efficiency
• Productivity Analysis
• Sustainable Food Supply Chains
• +7 more

Dr. Jason Gibbs is an Associate Professor in the Department of Entomology at the University of Manitoba, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences. He also serves as the Curator of the J. B. Wallis / R. E. Roughley Museum of Entomology (WRME), a significant center for the study of bee biodiversity. His work is central to advancing knowledge in wild bee systematics, phylogenetics, and conservation. PhD in Biology, York University, Canada MSc in Botany, University of Toronto, Canada BSc in Biological Sciences, University of Toronto Scarborough, Canada His research focuses on the diversity, taxonomy, and conservation of wild bees , particularly halictid and panurgine bees. He employs integrative taxonomic approaches , combining morphological, molecular, and ecological data to resolve species boundaries and evolutionary relationships. His work extends to pollinator ecology , examining how habitat management, agricultural practices, and landscape changes affect bee communities and pollination services. He is deeply involved in bee conservation , including the rediscovery of rare species and the development of habitat strategies to support pollinators in human-modified landscapes. The trends in his recent publications reveal a strong emphasis on systematics and alpha-taxonomy , with numerous revisions of bee genera and checklists of regional faunas. He frequently uses DNA barcoding and phylogenomics to address taxonomic challenges. Additionally, his work explores pollination dynamics in agricultural systems , particularly in blueberry and other crops, assessing the roles of wild versus managed bees. There is a consistent theme of habitat enhancement and conservation across his research, with studies on floral strips, prairie restoration, and the impacts of land-use change. Dr. Gibbs is actively involved in mentoring and training the next generation of entomologists. His lab includes several graduate students and highly qualified personnel who contribute to his diverse research projects, as indicated by the asterisked names in his publications. He leads the Gibbs Wild Bee Lab, which is dedicated to understanding bee diversity and evolution. The lab combines field research with molecular and morphological analyses, and maintains close ties with the WRME museum, which serves as a vital resource for specimen-based research and education.

• Entomology
• Wild Bee Taxonomy
• Integrative Taxonomy
• +13 more

Scott E. Miller is Senior Biodiversity Advisor, Senior Research Entomologist, and Curator of Lepidoptera at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History. He has held numerous leadership positions including Deputy Under Secretary for Collections and Interdisciplinary Support, Deputy Under Secretary for Science, Associate Director for Science at the Smithsonian's National Zoological Park, and Interim Director of Smithsonian Libraries and Archives. Prior to the Smithsonian, he held leadership roles at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology in Nairobi, Kenya, and the Bishop Museum in Honolulu, Hawaii. Miller earned his BS from the University of California at Santa Barbara and his PhD from Harvard University. His academic journey has been marked by significant contributions to entomology and biodiversity research. Dr. Miller's research focuses on the integration of systematics, ecology, biogeography and conservation of insects and plants. His current work uses museum-based taxonomy and systematics to mobilize biodiversity information to empower ecology, conservation, and agriculture. Major research themes include moth systematics, biogeography and phylogenomics (particularly Dalceridae, Geometridae, and other families), insect food web and ecology projects in Papua New Guinea, Kenya and elsewhere, and building DNA reference libraries from museum vouchers for ecological applications. He has been instrumental in developing DNA-based identification tools through initiatives like the Consortium for the Barcode of Life. His recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on biodiversity informatics, DNA barcoding, and the application of museum collections to contemporary ecological questions. Miller's work spans tropical ecology, systematics, and the development of new methodologies for biodiversity assessment, with significant fieldwork conducted in Papua New Guinea, Kenya, and other biodiversity hotspots. Dr. Miller has contributed significantly to scientific infrastructure development, including co-chairing the US Government's Interagency Working Group on Scientific Collections and helping establish the Consortium for the Barcode of Life. His leadership extends to international scientific collaboration and the development of research centers like Mpala Research Centre in Kenya. As Senior Biodiversity Advisor, he oversees major initiatives that connect museum collections with contemporary biodiversity challenges. His laboratory and team focus on leveraging the extensive moth collections at NMNH for phylogenomic studies and ecological applications, working closely with international collaborators on projects spanning multiple continents.

• Systematics
• Entomology
• Biodiversity Conservation
• +5 more

Charles C. Davis is a Professor of Organismic and Evolutionary Biology at Harvard University and Curator of Vascular Plants in the Harvard University Herbaria. He leads the Davis Lab, focusing on plant diversity through integrative research in systematics, paleobiology, ecology, and molecular biology. His work emphasizes phylogenetic theory, biogeography, and the application of herbarium collections to address global change challenges. Davis is particularly noted for leveraging herbarium specimens to study plant responses to climate change, phenology, and biodiversity patterns. Research interests include plant-insect interactions, genome architecture evolution in parasitic plants, and the ethical use of herbarium specimens. His lab has pioneered high-throughput phylogenomic pipelines (e.g., PhyloHerb) and explored the future of herbaria in the digital age. Collaborations span global institutions, emphasizing digitization, spectral imaging, and AI-driven analysis of biodiversity data. Recent work highlights the impact of anthropogenic change on plant communities, the role of phenology in species survival, and strategies to mitigate collecting biases in herbaria. Davis teaches courses on plant systematics and evolution, and his lab actively participates in public engagement through exhibits like the HMNH’s *In Search of Thoreau’s Flowers*. His research has been featured in *Trends in Ecology & Evolution*, *Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution*, and *Current Biology*, with a focus on advancing methodologies for biodiversity science while addressing ethical challenges in specimen sampling.

• Plant Systematics
• Phylogenomics
• Biodiversity Conservation
• +8 more

Vera D'Urso is an Associate Professor of Zoology at the Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, University of Catania, where she has been employed since 1994. Her academic career began with a CNR scholarship from 1977-1980, followed by work as a Confirmed Researcher at the Faculty of Natural and Mathematical Sciences, University of Catania from 1980-1994. She has received DAAD scholarships for research at the University of Marburg in Germany in 1984 and 1987. Dr. D'Urso earned her Degree in Biological Sciences from the University of Catania with a grade of 110 cum laude. She furthered her expertise with postgraduate courses in "Quantitative Methods in Ecology" at the International Center of Theoric Physics in Miramare, Trieste in 1980. Dr. D'Urso is a leading expert in several entomological fields, with primary research interests in: Insecta Homoptera Auchenorrhyncha (leafhoppers and related insects) Insecta Diptera Phlebotominae (sand flies) Systematics and biodiversity of Mediterranean insects Insect vectors of phytoplasmas affecting economically important plants Alien species and their ecological impact Tardigrades and their taxonomy Her extensive publication record spanning over 95 scientific papers demonstrates her expertise in insect systematics, morphology, and ecology. Recent research has focused on Mediterranean biodiversity, particularly examining alien species like Balclutha brevis and their impact on local ecosystems. She has also made significant contributions to understanding phytoplasma transmission in grapevines, sandfly vectors of leishmaniasis in Sicily, and tardigrade taxonomy in extreme environments including Antarctica. Dr. D'Urso has served on numerous scientific committees including the editorial board of Biodiversity Journal, and has been a referee for multiple prestigious journals. She has participated in research projects including "Morphology, Systematics, Biology and Biogeography of Rhynchota Insects" (1994-99) and studies on sandflies in areas with high canine leishmaniasis endemicity (2004-06). Her academic service includes membership on doctoral committees at the University of Catania, participation in national evaluation committees for associate professor positions in Zoology, and serving on the Department Board of the Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences (2018-2020). She has also conducted numerous entomological collection missions in Italy and abroad including Greece, Bulgaria, Macedonia, former Yugoslavia, Germany, Tunisia, Libya, and Malta.

• Insecta Homoptera Auchenorrhyncha
• Insecta Diptera Phlebotominae
• Insect Systematics
• +6 more

Heidi Brown is a Professor and Program Director at the University of Arizona , affiliated with multiple programs including the Mel and Enid Zuckerman College of Public Health, Entomology and Insect Science, Remote Sensing and Spatial Analysis, and the School of Geography and Development. PhD in Epidemiology of Microbial Diseases (Yale University) MPH in International Health Promotion (George Washington University) Postdoctoral experience at Oxford University (Zoology) and CDC (Bacterial Diseases Branch) Her research focuses on infectious disease epidemiology , emphasizing the spatial and temporal dynamics of diseases, vector-borne/zoonotic transmission, and environmental determinants of health. She integrates epidemiological and spatial analysis to address climate change impacts on disease patterns. Recent publications highlight her work linking climate variability to infectious diseases like Campylobacter, stakeholder engagement in climate adaptation, and dual hazard response strategies during the 2020 heat-COVID overlap. Her 2019 Fulbright in Brazil and 2023 sabbatical at Heidelberg Institute of Global Health underscore her international expertise. Scientific Awards: Fulbright (2019) She leads projects such as Adaptation Mal-Adaptation Assessment , Climate and Health Adaptation Monitoring Program (CHAMP) , and initiatives on heat health resilience. Her work bridges academic research with practical implementation for state and local health departments.

• Infectious Disease Epidemiology
• Spatial and Temporal Disease Distribution
• Vector-Borne Diseases
• +4 more

Claudia Palestrini is a Professor at the Department of Life Sciences and Systems Biology , University of Turin. Her work focuses on dung beetles , ground beetles , and Alpine biodiversity conservation , with a strong emphasis on geometric morphometrics , zoogeography , and entomology . Her research integrates ecology , systematics , and phylogeny to study insect communities in Alpine and Mediterranean environments. Key themes include habitat use , species differentiation , and sustainable land management . She has contributed to over 400 publications, with recent work analyzing equine feeding devices and insect acoustic signals . Her teaching includes courses on Entomology for Cultural Heritage , Biological Sciences , and Environmental Education . She serves on academic committees like the Department Council and Interdisciplinary Sport Sciences program. Her work bridges entomology and sustainable sports practices , highlighting the importance of biodiversity in human-impacted ecosystems.

• Entomology
• Dung Beetle Ecology
• Biodiversity Conservation
• +4 more

Dr. Nilo Merino Recalde is a Postdoctoral Researcher at the Edward Grey Institute, University of Oxford. His research focuses on animal culture, acoustic monitoring of biodiversity, and applied machine learning. He employs interdisciplinary approaches spanning visual arts, anthropology, and biology to study animal behavior and ecology. His current work emphasizes large-scale acoustic data collection and analysis, with a particular interest in bird song and cultural evolution. Research interests include: Animal culture and its transmission mechanisms Acoustic ecology and biodiversity assessment using sound Machine learning applications in ecological research Data visualization and open science practices His publications highlight advancements in phylogenomic analysis, acoustic datasets for wild bird populations, and software tools like pykanto for bioacoustic research. He actively develops open-source tools to democratize data analysis in ecology. No scientific awards or grants are listed. He currently advises no students but collaborates widely in multidisciplinary teams. His primary affiliation is the Edward Grey Institute's Sheldon Group, where he integrates fieldwork and computational methods to understand animal behavior at ecological and evolutionary scales.

• Animal Behavior
• Ecology
• Machine Learning
• +3 more