Addressing emerging issues in entomology: 2023 student debates.

Area of Science:

• Entomology
• Scientific Communication
• Food Security

Background:

• The Entomological Society of America (ESA) Student Debates Subcommittee (SDS) organized the 2023 annual student debate.
• The debate theme, "Addressing emerging issues in entomology," aligned with the 2023 ESA Annual Meeting theme, "Insects and influence: Advancing entomology's impact on people and policy."

Purpose of the Study:

• To engage students in critical discussions on emerging issues in entomology.
• To explore the complexities of "Insects and influence: Advancing entomology's impact on people and policy."

Main Methods:

• Four student teams researched and debated two selected topics: AI disclosure in scientific writing and pollinator health prioritization for food security.
• Debates were held live at the 2023 ESA Annual Meeting, with SDS members providing unbiased topic introductions.

Main Results:

• Engaging discussions occurred on scientific communication, artificial intelligence, and pollinator health's impact on food security.
• The event highlighted the complexities of entomological issues concerning people and policy.

Conclusions:

• The ESA Student Debates fostered critical thinking and dialogue on pressing entomological challenges.
• The competition effectively brought attention to the multifaceted nature of entomology's influence on society and policy-making.