Dr Ismay assists the entomology team with the curation of the Diptera (Insecta) collection, especially on the family Chloropidae and other acalypterate Diptera and assists with enquiries related to the Diptera. More generally he carries out research into the taxonomy and systematics of the world species of the family Chloropidae. He has authored over 100 research papers and book chapters and is working with scientists worldwide. He continues to make field collections of Chloropidae in Britain and the world.