British Ecological Society

The British Ecological Society (BES) is a century-old learned society dedicated to the study of ecology, which encompasses the relationships between living organisms and their environment. It is recognized as the oldest ecological society globally, with its foundational roots dating back to the early 20th century.

History

The British Ecological Society evolved from the British Vegetation Committee, which was established in 1904 to study vegetation in the British Isles. This committee's endeavors were part of the broader emergence of modern ecology in the late 19th century. The BES was formally founded on 12 April 1913, with its inaugural meeting held at University College London, attended by 47 members[2].

Sir Arthur Tansley, a renowned ecologist, became the first president of the society. The first issue of the Journal of Ecology was published in time for this meeting, marking an important milestone in the society's history. During its early years, the society faced challenges, notably during World War I, and initially shared offices with The Linnean Society in London[2].

Objectives and Activities

The British Ecological Society's original objective was "to promote and foster the study of Ecology in its widest sense," a mission that remains central to its activities today[2]. The society supports a diverse range of ecological research, focusing on understanding the interdependence between the natural world and human activities. It aims to provide evidence-based solutions to environmental challenges while promoting ecological science globally[4].

Publications

The BES publishes several world-class journals, including:

• Journal of Ecology (since 1913)
• Journal of Animal Ecology (established in 1932)
• Journal of Applied Ecology (founded in 1964)
• Functional Ecology (launched in 1987)
• Methods in Ecology and Evolution (introduced in 2009 as the society's first online-only journal)[5].

These journals serve as platforms for disseminating groundbreaking ecological research from around the world.

Membership and Global Reach

As of circa 2024, the society had approximately 7,000 members, with a significant portion (around 14%) consisting of students. Its membership extends to over 120 countries globally, underscoring its international impact[1][2]. The society also engages with other organizations, including the European Ecological Federation (EEF) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), solidifying its position as a leading voice in ecology[4].

Events and Funding

The BES organizes significant events, such as its Annual Meeting, which attracts over 1,500 delegates worldwide. The society invests substantially in research grants, with more than half allocated to projects in the Global South[1]. It also offers educational programs and career support to empower its members.

Strategic Goals

The British Ecological Society is guided by strategic goals to advance ecological science, place ecology at the heart of decision-making, foster collaboration within a diverse community, and promote sustainability. These objectives are designed to leverage science for positive change in addressing pressing environmental challenges[1].

[1] https://www.britishecologicalsociety.org/content/introducing-the-bes/ [2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Ecological_Society [3] https://www.britishecologicalsociety.org/section-type/about-us/ [4] https://iucn.org/our-union/members/iucn-members/british-ecological-society [5] https://www.britishecologicalsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/100-influential-papers.pdf