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Entomologists take top prizes in international science communication competition

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Amy Fleming, who took the top prize in this year's Royal Entomological Society’s RES Awards for Student Science Communication.

A trio of entomologists from ÌìÃÀÊÓƵ have taken first, second and highly commended prizes in an international science communication competition.

The three students are all studying for an MSc in Entomology at the institution – and each were chosen as prize-winners for the Royal Entomological Society’s .

Open for students across the globe, the competition challenges its entrants to write a simple, easy to understand piece explaining an aspect of insect science to the general public.

This year, Amy Fleming took first prize for her article .

She said: “I had so much fun creating my article for the Student Science Communication Award, so when I found out I had won I was over the moon!

“It is such an amazing privilege to receive the award and be recognised by the RES for my submission.

“I love beetles, and weevils are my favourite, so I used this as an opportunity to share how amazing some of the weevils in the UK are and tell people about just a few of their ecological niches. I would definitely encourage more students to take part and get creative - as it was so fun!”

Meanwhile, fellow Masters student Amalia Herrera Grau was awarded second prize for her piece, .

Amalia said: “What brings me the most satisfaction is knowing I have helped put a tiny spotlight on some tiny wasps, which I am hoping will contribute in some small way to a shift in perception for one of the most persecuted of insect groups.

“Wasps are such a diverse, beautiful and underappreciated bunch - and a children’s-book-style story seemed an opportunity to encourage empathy for them.”

The judges commended two further articles as being excellent, including by Amy and Amalia’s course-mate Beatrix Ward.

Three members of RES Outreach Committee judged the entries: Dr Chantelle Jay, Engagement Officer at the Forestry Commission; Dr Joshua Sammy, Senior Executive Office at the Office for National Statistics and artist; and Sophia Reinisch, Research Assistant at the Natural History Museum, London.

They said: ″We enjoyed reading through the 2025 competition entries, especially as they were so varied in style and intended audience.  The winner and runner up were particularly strong in terms of scientific messaging and accessibility. 

“We really enjoyed the fun format of Snout and About, and the idea of a children’s book about fig wasps as seen in The Search for Splendid was inspired.

“Buried with Care brought love to a species that might otherwise be overlooked by the wider public.”

Amy’s winning article and  Amalia’s runner-up piece will both be published in the Society’s membership bulletin  later this year – and the 2026 competition is expected to open this summer.

_{Amy also spoke to us about her experience on her undergradaute degree for our We Are Here pages - see more here.}