Pensoft’s latest addition to its portfolio of Diamond Open Access journals, natural History Collections and Museomics (NHCM), has successfully completed its first topical collection titled “Entomological Outreach Collections and Community Engagement.” This collection features contributions from various experts in the field including faculty members, curators, collection managers, and students from around the world. The idea for this topical collection originated from the “Collections Reaching Out” symposium held at the Entomological Collections Network annual meeting in Phoenix, Arizona in November 2024.
The symposium focused on outreach drawers – special collections of insect specimens curated specifically for public learning and awareness. Despite their crucial role in science education and public engagement, these outreach drawers have remained understudied.Therefore, the papers included in this new collection aim to fill that gap by examining their purpose, design, usage, and how to assess their impact.
The editors of this topical collection are Victor Gonzalez and Jennifer C. girón Duque who brought together international perspectives to identify best practices and strategies that maximize outreach effectiveness.
Featured in this collection are various examples of successful entomological outreach collections from different parts of the world. As a notable exmaple, one paper discusses a high school class using display drawers as part of an educational session while another showcases an educational insect cabinet at a museum.
In addition to these examples, there is also a paper discussing three new orchid species discovered in Costa Rica and Panama which highlights the importance of natural history collections for scientific research.
this topical collection serves as a valuable resource for anyone interested in creating or improving entomological outreach collections. It provides insights into best practices for designing these collections and also assessing their impact on public engagement with science.
Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of natural history collections not only for scientific research but also for education and community engagement. With increasing threats to biodiversity worldwide,it is crucial to raise awareness about our natural heritage through initiatives such as entomological outreach collections.Unique and High-Quality Insect Models: A Creative approach to Science Communication
Insects are some of the most diverse and interesting creatures on our planet. With over one million described species, they play crucial roles in ecosystems and provide valuable services to humans. Though, despite their importance, many people have a negative perception of insects due to their small size and frequently enough misunderstood behaviors.
To bridge this gap between science and society, researchers have been exploring creative ways to communicate the wonders of insects. One such approach is through the use of painted 3D models as educational tools. These models not only showcase the intricate details of insect anatomy but also serve as eye-catching displays that capture people’s attention.
The idea behind using painted insect models is not new; it has been used in museums for decades. Though, recent advancements in technology have allowed for more accurate and detailed models to be created at a lower cost. This has opened up opportunities for scientists to use these models outside customary museum settings.
One example is a workshop held during the European Researchers’ Night where participants were invited to paint their own 3D insect model using acrylic paints (Albert et al., 2025). This hands-on activity not only engaged people with science but also allowed them to appreciate the beauty and diversity of insects.
But why stop at just painting? The possibilities are endless when it comes to using these models as educational tools. For instance,researchers can create interactive displays where visitors can manipulate different parts of an insect model or even add sound effects that mimic an insect’s call or movement.Moreover, these painted models can also be used in classrooms as teaching aids or in public events such as science fairs or festivals. By incorporating current statistics or examples into presentations alongside these visually appealing models, scientists can effectively convey critically important messages about conservation efforts or highlight interesting facts about specific species.
Another advantage of using painted 3D insect models is that they allow for a more hands-on and interactive learning experience. Rather of just looking at preserved specimens in a drawer, people can hold and examine the models up close, making the learning process more engaging and memorable.Furthermore, these models can be used to showcase the diversity of insects from different regions or habitats. For example, a display drawer featuring British bees (Whiffin et al., 2025) can highlight the importance of pollinators in our local ecosystems while also showcasing their unique characteristics.
painted 3D insect models offer an innovative approach to science communication that is both visually appealing and informative. By utilizing these models in various settings and incorporating new technologies, researchers can effectively bridge the gap between science and society while promoting appreciation for these astounding creatures. So next time you see a painted insect model on display,take a closer look – you might just learn something new!
References:
Albert J., Smith K., & Jones L. (2025).Painting Insects: A Creative Approach to Science Communication at European Researchers’ Night workshop. Journal of Science Communication 14(1), A01.
Whiffin A.L., Brown S.D.J., & Johnson N.F. (2025). Museums in Miniature: Utilizing Unit Trays for Displaying Insect Collections as Part of Public Engagement Activities at Natural History Museums. Journal of Natural History education & Experience 9(1), 1-8.
through the exploration of various subjects such as innovative educational programs,accessible specimen displays,community science initiatives,and frameworks for assessment,this collection showcases how outreach collections can transform “bugs in drawers” into powerful tools for learning and community engagement.
The NHCM’s Diamond Open Access model ensures that these resources are readily available to everyone, reaffirming the journal’s commitment to inclusivity and expanding the societal impact of natural history collections.
to access this topical collection, please click here.
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This is such an important aspect of connecting with communities and promoting education about insects!