We are open and already taking requests. The Ommatidium Project has not formally launched yet, so a few things are still settling into place. Tell me when you launch
Once you're connected

How to make the most of an introduction.

When a volunteer connects you with someone, you're reaching a real person who has offered their time, often around teaching, fieldwork or curation. A little courtesy goes a long way. Here's how to make a good first impression.

Use their proper title

Address people as Dr or Prof, or by the name they sign off with. A first message is the place for a little formality.

Keep it short and specific

Say who you are, what you’re interested in, and what you’re hoping for. Clear, concise messages are the ones busy people reply to.

Lead with courtesy

Open with a genuine thank you for their time. These are volunteers and specialists fitting you in around real work.

Do a little homework

Show you’ve looked into their work or group before reaching out. It signals you value their expertise and their time.

Be patient and gracious

People are often short on time and may take a while to reply. A reminder is fine after a week, but keep it warm and understanding.

Follow through

If they offer help, reply promptly and let them know how it went. Good manners keep the door open for the next person too.

Replies can take time, that's normal.Please allow at least 10 working days for someone to get back to you, and bear in mind it depends on the individual expert, some are busier than others. If you haven't heard back after that, and we'll gently follow up or find someone else.
Request an introduction

Which insects or arthropods interest you?

Pick as many groups as you like, and don’t worry if you’re not sure yet. There’s an option for that too.

Already sent a request? Find your request link.

You must be 18 or over to use this service.To meet UK data-protection and safeguarding law, this pilot is for adults only. We cannot accept a request from anyone under 18, and we cannot accept a request made by a parent or guardian on behalf of a child.

If you are under 18, or a parent or guardian looking on a child’s behalf, this page has resources for you.
A town, region or country helps us find someone near you.
If you’d like to be matched with someone who shares a language, tell us which. We’ll try where we can.
What are you interested in?
Choose any that fit. Common names first, scientific names underneath.

Insects

Arachnids

Other invertebrates

What kind of help are you after?
Pick anything that applies.
A sentence or two about you and what you’re hoping for is plenty.
How we’ll use your information

By submitting this form, you are sending your details to EntoFacet so we can handle your request. We use your information only for the project purposes described in our privacy notice: to understand your request, match you to a suitable contact and follow up. Our lawful basis is your consent. We keep them while your request is open and for 12 months after it closes, then delete or anonymise them. You can view, export, correct or delete your data at any time using the private link we email you, withdraw consent, or complain to the ICO.

Full details, including who processes data for us: privacy notice.

We may suggest a suitable volunteer or expert outside the UK if that is the best match. We will not share your contact details with an expert outside the UK or EEA without asking you first, or we will give you a way to contact them yourself.