IN A parallel universe, I have just returned from a gathering in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Ecological Society of America’s annual meeting was a hive of activity: 4000 delegates, talks on cutting-edge research, press conferences, social gatherings and ample opportunities to mingle, make contacts and pick up ideas. In the real world, the meeting was held virtually and I watched it at home on my computer. I take my hat off to the organisers and speakers; in the circumstances, it was amazing. But it wasn’t the same as the real thing. I wonder what …