Entomologists attend annual research conference

Posted 11 September 2015

Staff and students from Harper Adams University were invited to share their research and meet fellow insect enthusiasts at a conference for entomologists, held in Dublin recently.

Led by Professor of Entomology, Professor Simon Leather, a team of six headed to Ento’15 – the annual science meeting of the Royal Entomological Society. This year the theme of the event was ‘Insect Ecosystem Services’, and also included the society’s biennial symposium.

As well as attending the event, Harper Adams actively contributed to Ento’15 through presenting research findings and giving keynote presentations.

Keynote speaker Professor Leather spoke about ‘Influential Entomology’ - the scientific, societal, economic and educational services provided by entomology and entomologists.

Professor Leather said: “This is the main calendar event for anyone working, researching or studying within the field of entomology – the science of insects.

“As a team, we were delighted to be invited to contribute to Ento’15 and share our ideas, as well as take advantage of the opportunity to network and meet other people with similar research interests.

“Even more exciting, is the fact that Harper Adams will be hosting the event next year on our own campus in Shropshire. As we launched entomology as a subject at the university only three years ago, this is a wonderful achievement.”

Also speaking at the event was lecturer in entomology, Dr Tom Pope, and postgraduate research students Charlotte Rowley and Joe Roberts.

Harper Adams is the only UK institution to teach general and applied entomology at postgraduate level, and is committed to helping to address the challenges within UK plant science.

As well as a growing taught postgraduate community, the university also boasts a strong cohort of postgraduate research students, including Charlotte, who is investigating saddle gall midge pheromones.

Charlotte said: “It was a real pleasure to present my work at Ento’15 and actually take part in proceedings, not just attend.

“Although perhaps not that well known, saddle gall midge is a gall-forming midge that attacks cereal crops, causing losses of up to 70% of the crop. So events such as Ento’15 prove an excellent opportunity to share my work and seek expertise from others.”

Ento’16 will be held at Harper Adams on September 6-8, but prior to this, the university is hosting the Royal Entomological Society’s Postgraduate Student Forum on February 11&12. For more information, visit http://www.royensoc.co.uk/meetings