Professor's life celebrated with opening of new entomology and ecology facility

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A celebration of the life of a much-loved entomologist has been held at Harper Adams University after a new facility which will bear his name was opened.

The newly-refurbished building, which will act as an entomology and ecology hub, will bear the name of the late Professor Simon Leather, who died in 2021.

A dedicated event was held to both officially open the new facilities, and to remember renowned entomologist Professor Leather – with leading figures from across the world of entomology both attending and speaking.

Dr Simon Segar, who helped organise the day and who will work from the new space, said: “I think that Simon would be delighted to see colleagues come together like this. It has been five years since his passing, and his research and impact have never been more important.

“Simon was an enthusiastic promoter of all things entomology - and famous for teaching almost every UK entomologist at some point!

“We involved students in the day and hope that he would have been especially happy to see the range of attendees assembled in honour of him and his work. We were also extremely happy to host Simon’s widow, Gill Leather, who was one of our VIPs.”

Work on the Simon R Leather Building – which will house the University’s entomological collections - has been designed to allow a wide range of uses.

Dr Segar added: “The space is also the home of the Ecology, Evolution and Conservation research group and will function as an inclusive area for staff, students and researchers working on ecology - not just of insects, but of other organisms of natural and managed landscapes.

“We will have a ‘wet’ lab for working on insect sorting, plant vouchering and other ecological tasks such as pollen sorting, dissections and the curation of material.

“The Entomology group at Harper Adams University is very successful and has outgrown its original cocoon to emerge as multi-faceted butterfly.

“The new space will house ecologists working on the more environmental and conservation-related elements of entomology - as well as on organisms with backbones!

“With more taught and research students every year the extra space will help maintain our high standards and assist the development of new courses and scientific methods.”

Professor of Applied Entomology Tom Pope – who moved to Harper Adams at the same time as Professor Leather more than a decade ago - added: “The opening of this new facility marks the continuing impact that Simon's move to Harper Adams in 2012.

“The Simon R. Leather Building complements the existing Jean Jackson Entomology Building, meaning that we can better support the diverse range of entomology teaching, research and outreach activities at the university.”

Following the opening of the facility, VIPS from across the field of entomology toured the Harper Adams campus before an afternoon of lectures around Professor Leather’s research interests was held by colleagues and friends.

The celebration – opened by University Vice-Chancellor Professor Ken Sloan and the President of the Royal Entomological Society, Dr Allan Watt - formed part of a series of events as Harper Adams marks its 125^th anniversary.

Dr Watt said: “The Simon R Leather Building is a fitting tribute to Simon, who was a friend, colleague, teacher, mentor and inspiration to so many entomologists."

Dr Segar said: “The breadth of talks in the afternoon demonstrated quite how insightful Simon’s work was.

“Guests included Dr Erica McAlister from the Natural History Museum, London, Dr Daegan Inward from Forest Research, and our very own Professor Keith Walters.

“The day acted as a celebration of Simon as a much-loved colleague as well as an opportunity for people to meet and remember him. We are delighted that Harper Adams University and the Royal Entomological Society made the day happen.”