How entomologists can engage with science policy today

Kevin Burls is a conservation biologist with the Endangered Species Program of the Xerces Society for Invertebrate Conservation, where he focuses on protecting butterfly species across deserts, forests, and grasslands in the western United States. With many of these species threatened by habitat degradation, pesticide exposure, and climate change, Kevin works alongside researchers and land managers to assess their conservation needs. He helps translate those findings into actionable policy by developing science-based guidelines and advocating for protective measures at the regional, state, and federal levels. In his presentation, Kevin will discuss how entomologists can effectively participate in policymaking processes to promote insect conservation and ensure that scientific evidence plays a central role in decision-making.