Lecture series Insects and Society
Considerable declines in insect populations are reported frequently and for various places on Earth. The motto of the laboratory of Entomology at Wageningen University and Research has long been: No life on Earth without insects! Insects do not only provide the conditions for life on this planet but they are also an profound source of inspiration for people. Insects are delicious, important, beautiful, useful and provide important ecosystem services. What else do we want?
The role of insects in society
This lecture series provides a broad view of the role of insects in society with lectures by specialists at the boundaries of biodiversity, nutrition, culture, technical sciences, agriculture and entomology. There are ample opportunities to enjoy insects, if only we have an open mind for this. Insects can transmit deadly diseases but also help solving murders. Insects provide inspiration to artists, as well as the designers of men’s toilets. These and many more topics feature in Insects and Society.
Programme 2025:
From 8 January till 5 March 2025 the lecture series Insects and Society will be organised in the Forum building on Wageningen Campus. Entrance is free. Time: 20.00 - 22.00 hr
Course Insects and Society
To follow the course Insects and Society (ENT-51803) you need to attend all lectures and write an essay on a topic in which insects and society feature, e.g. insects and children books, insects and black magic, insects and pop music, insects and paintings, insects and science fiction etc etc Registration for Insects and Society (ENT-51803) can be done via studyhandbook.wur.nl
Wednesday 8 January
PREPARING FOR MOSQUITO-BORNE DISEASES IN THE NETHERLANDS
Preparing for new arboviruses in times of climate change
• Prof. dr. Marion Koopmans, Department of Viroscience, Erasmus Medical Center Rotterdam
What’s buzzing: Mosquitoes and viral diseases in the Netherlands
• Prof. dr. Sander Koenraadt, Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University
Wednesday 15 January
THE FASCINATING AND AMAZING WORLD OF INSECTS
Why are insects the most abundant, most diverse, and most successful organisms on earth?
• Prof. dr. Arnold van Huis and Prof. dr. Marcel Dicke – Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University. Alternating presentations
Wednesday 22 January
INSECTS AND TECHNOLOGY
Insect-inspired, neuromorphic AI for tiny autonomous drones
• Prof. dr. Guido de Croon, Micro Air Vehicle lab, Faculty Aerospace Engineering (Control &
Simulation), Delft University of Technology
Maneuvering flight in insects and bio-inspired robots
• Prof. dr. Florian Muijres – Experimental Zoology Group, Wageningen University
Wednesday 29 January
INSECTS IN CULTURE
Insects used in music, medicine and as toys
• Prof. dr. Arnold van Huis – Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University
Insects in art: a tour through my virtual museum
• Prof. dr. Marcel Dicke – Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University
1 week break
Wednesday 12 February
THE DISRUPTIVE EFFECTS OF INSECTICIDES
Why do we use insecticides?
• Prof. dr. Marcel Dicke – Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University
Effects of insecticides on birds
• Dr. Sjouke A. Kingma – Behavioural Ecology Group, Wageningen University
Wednesday 19 February
INSECTS AND MUSIC
Insects and music
• Prof. dr. Marcel Dicke – Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University
• Linnaeus trio - Jennifer van der Hart - soprano, Ellen Zijm - accordeon and Kees van der Harst – clarinet
Wednesday 26 February
INSECTS TO FEED THE WORLD
Insect as food and feed: tracking progress and innovations
• Prof. dr. Arnold van Huis – Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University
Insects as food: What’s in it for consumers?
Dr. Arnout Fischer, Department of Marketing and Consumer Behaviour, Wageningen University
Wednesday 5 March
INSECT WELFARE
Animal happiness from mammals to insects
• Dr. Laura Webb - Animal Production Systems Group, Wageningen University
Tiny heads, great minds? How insects (might) think and feel
• Dr. Alexander Haverkamp - Laboratory of Entomology, Wageningen University