Prof. Vincenzo Vacante has an academic degree in Biological Sciences and his last academic position was full Professor of General and Applied Entomology at the Agrarian University of the Mediterranean University of Reggio Calabria, Italy. His education and professional career were developed in Italy and different foreign research centers (Belgium, France, Switzerland, Germany, England, etc.). His significant scientific contributions to general and applied Entomology include: (1) developing the knowledge of mites living in natural ecosystems and describing new mite species. He also helped develop the knowledge of mites associated with the major agro-ecosystems (citrus, greenhouse crops, vineyards, olive groves, fruit, trees) and the reporting of new Italian species, including natural enemies of the pests of Mediterranean crops. Additionally, he assisted in defining IPM protocols and the application of innovative methods for the study of bio-ecology and prevention of pest attacks (e.g.

spatial interpolation methods, meteorological modelling (RAMS) and analysis of decision-making). He has produced 227 scientific publications, and is editor of a number of different books. His scientific activity is characterized by several international collaborations, and by the organization of national and international scientific meetings. He was also a referee and editorial board member of different scientific journals and he coordinated or participated in a number of research projects. He is also a member of a number of national and international scientific societies.