#EntoSci16. Insect science event a resounding success

Posted 28 April 2016

The world’s first Entomology conference for teenagers, held at Harper Adams University in April, has been a resounding success. 

After months of preparation, the day of the conference started very early for many, with BBC Breakfast on site from 6.30am and feeding live in to the programme a few times. Several groups of local school pupils joined us for this. Thanks to Burton Borough, Adams Grammar and Newport Girls High. 

At 9am, the real delegates started to arrive – 250 people aged 14 to 18 from all around the country. Following a welcome talk by event patron Dr George McGavin, and a whirlwind introduction to flies and why we should love them by Dr Erica McAlister, the students began a programme of interactive sessions with a range of entomological experts. 

Find out more on Professor Simon Leather’s brilliant blog, where he states:

“All in all, the day was a real buzz. Of course the real stars were the insects and other invertebrates which managed to generate real enthusiasm among the delegates and their accompanying teachers.”

Huge thanks have to go to all of the organisers, sponsors and supporters, including but not limited to: Sally-Ann Spence (Minibeast Mayhem), Luke Tilley and the Royal Entomological Society, Gastronaut Stephan Gates, RHS, Bumblebee Conservation Trust, Oxford University Museum of Natural History, Natural History Museum, Janice and Graham Smith, Dr Tim Cockerill, and Amoret Whittaker.

PHOTOGRAPHS:

Photos from the day can be found on Flickr (for downloads) and on Facebook – please tag yourself if you were there! 

VIDEOS:

In addition to the main event video (available to view above), Further footage can be viewed as follows:

Live insect handling

Entomophagy – eating insects with TV’s Gastronaut, Stephan Gates

Forensic entomology – maggot and murders!

BBC Breakfast, 13/04/16 

Excerpt from Thomas Telford School round-up (1 minute, 15 seconds in)

The event was also popular on social media – view the #EntoSci16 stream.