Mapping knowledge and perceptions in nematology: insights and future perspectives from Italian researchers

This study provides the first integrated overview of Italian nematology through bibliometric and perception-based analyses on data retrieved from the Scopus and Web of Science databases. Results highlight a scientifically active and well-connected community, increasingly oriented towards ecological and sustainability issues. Italian research shows a distinctive balance between agricultural, parasitological, and environmental approaches, reflecting the global shift towards One Health and biodiversity conservation. However, nematology remains marginal in academic curricula and public perception. Most practitioners acquired their expertise after graduation, confirming a long-standing educational gap also noted in other European countries. Yet, the strong motivation of younger researchers and the widespread recognition of nematology’s usefulness suggest opportunities for renewal. Strengthening academic training and interdisciplinary collaboration could ensure generational continuity and enhance the discipline’s visibility. Overall, studying nematodes represents both a scientific challenge and an opportunity. Nematode ubiquity, ecological relevance, and functional diversity make them key to understanding and managing biodiversity across ecosystems. Promoting nematology within education and public communication would not only support scientific progress but also foster a broader appreciation of the often-invisible components sustaining life and ecosystem health.