Public invited to ‘hands-on’ entomology afternoon at Harper Adams University

Posted 24 August 2016

People across Shropshire and beyond are being invited to an interactive afternoon of insects at Harper Adams.

The open afternoon starts at 2pm on Thursday September 8 and will offer an opportunity to learn more about insects and their place in our world. 

Activities will include showings of live bugs and collections by Harper Adams students, live-handling with Exotic Zoo from Telford and a computer game by Slug Disco Studios. 

Top of the bill will be best-selling author, M.G. Leonard talking about overcoming her fear of insects by writing her recently published novel ‘Beetle Boy’. She will be signing copies of her book during the afternoon.  

Professor Simon Leather, Head of Entomology at Harper Adams said, “I am really looking forward to meeting Maya Leonard, as I thoroughly enjoyed reading her book.”

The afternoon is part of the society’s annual conference, Ento’16, which will see scientists from all across the country come to Harper Adams.

This is the third entomological event Harper Adams has hosted this year in conjunction with the Royal Entomological Society; after RESPG16 and EntoSci16, the first entomology conference for children in the world.

Harper Adams PhD student Fran Sconce said: “On Thursday September 8, the general public, especially children, will be invited to come to the university and get involved with a number of activities and meet entomological experts. 

“I think Harper Adams is a great place to study entomology. Professor Simon Leather is based here, and I’ve wanted to be taught by him for a while.

“As the university has a strong history in agriculture and land management, it is the perfect location for my PhD research, which is about the biodiversity in eco systems.”

Luke Tilley, Director of Outreach and Development at the Royal Entomological Society, said: “During Ento’16, entomologists from around the country and the world will meet at Harper Adams University to present their research in some very important areas of science, such as agriculture, conservation and disease prevention. Thursday afternoon is an opportunity for people of all ages and experience to enjoy the wonderful world of insects.

Harper Adams University and the society have a strong relationship, which sees the Royal Entomological Society funding a number of Entomology Masters scholarships.”