Overviewing the diversity of employment opportunities in insect resistance management

I have worked on applied aspects of insect resistance management (IRM) since beginning graduate studies in 1980. Since that time, I saw IRM become recognized as a sub-discipline of entomology, establishment of the Insecticide Resistance Action Committee (IRAC) as a leading force globally for promotion and implementation of IRM, and enaction of regulatory IRM requirements by progressive governments (e.g., USA, Canada, EU) as conditions of registrations, most notably for Bt crops. All these developments have increased career opportunities in IRM.



The first 25 years of my career was devoted to university-based ‘academic’ positions comprising hybrid professorial and extension appointment. The subsequent 15 years were in ‘Industry’ positions focused on insect resistance management. My presentation will overview the many opportunities that exist in the diversity of roles focused on IRM at fundamental and applied levels. I will provide my perspectives on the strengths and weaknesses of academic versus industry positions and reflect on the many exceptional academic and industry scientists working in both settings. Students with broad interests in multi-disciplinary science and agriculture and public health should investigate the exceptional career opportunities in IRM.