Each year ASA members meet and host Acarology focused symposia in conjunction with the Entomological Society of America’s annual meeting. Calls for contributed papers are typically in February and students are also invited to participate in competitions for monetary awards. Please join your fellow Acarologists this year at our annual meeting and consider contributing a paper in future symposia!

2026 Acarological Society of America Symposia

November 8–11, 2026 | Columbus, Ohio

We have two symposia scheduled:

1) Current Advances in Acarology

Organizers: Emilie Demard and Pavel Klimov

This symposium provides a forum for a diverse group of researchers whose work advances our applied, ecological, and systematic knowledge of the Acari. It highlights innovative research that pushes the field forward and encourages discussion across subdisciplines within acarology.

The symposium is open to all ASA members, including students interested in participating in the student presentation competition.

2) Outreach and Science Communication with Mites and Ticks

Organizers: Emilie Demard, Orlando Combita, Jeremy Naredo and Allan Busuulwa

This symposium aims to bridge the gap between acarologists and broader audiences, including growers, ranchers, gardeners, students, and local communities. Although acarology includes many economically important species, researchers often face challenges in engaging stakeholders, attracting students, and communicating research to the public.

This session will explore practical strategies for strengthening public engagement and increasing the visibility and impact of acarological research. Topics will include:

• Engaging the next generation in medical and agricultural acarology

• Improving public perception of mites and ticks

• Translating research into real-world applications

• Using outreach to support mite pest and vector management

• Identifying funding opportunities and effective proposal strategies

• Developing educational tools to broaden impact

Student Presentation Competition