The Acari, including both mites and ticks, are a diverse group of organisms with a worldwide distribution, frequently occupying extreme habitats and performing essential ecological functions. However, due to their size, they are difficult to identify and study. They have their own particularities that require specific techniques and approaches.
Training and education in Acarology is becoming more and more rare. There are few existing specific educational programmes in Europe, even though the need for expertise on mites and ticks has increased. Indeed, these species are being increasingly studied with respect to their roles as biological control agents, ecosystem engineers, parasites of species of conservation concern and disease vectors.