Introductory remarks

This symposium is a joint submission from the ECP (Early Career Professionals) and DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) Committees, showcasing the commitment of the ESA to address the evolving needs of its members and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the entomological community. The joint efforts of these committees resonate strongly with the ESA 2025 theme “Bridging Generations with Innovation, Legacy, and Passion” by training future generations of entomologists to establish teams driven by DEI values. This symposium aims to bridge the generational gap in entomological research and education while highlighting ways to enhance collaborative mentoring across generations and offering practical advice and insights from both early career and experienced entomologists as well as mentoring specialists from other disciplines across academia, industry, government, and other professions.