May 6, 2024

MSU to host insect forum

MSU Entomology to host insect forum

Michigan State University’s Department of Entomology is planning an insect symposium.

The Excellence in Insect Science Symposium 2024 is scheduled for May 16-17 at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center in East Lansing, Michigan.

The two-day event is designed for idea generation and building collaboration to address global grand challenges. The conference’s focus is to connect entomology faculty with industry, government, and other partners, building a community of entomologists focused on the symposium theme of: Leveraging Insect Science for Global Grand Challenges, according to a news release.

Sessions center on One Health, Climate Resilience, and STEM Education. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from leading scientists and experts, network with fellow entomologists, and develop new teams and collaborations to address global grand challenges.

“This event is focused on collaborative idea generation rather than traditional scientific presentations, and I expect it to supercharge research leveraging insect-focused solutions for climate resilience, one health, and STEM education within MSU Entomology and beyond,” Hannah Burrack, MSU Entomology chair, said in the release.

Breakout panel discussions featuring world-renowned experts in Climate Resilience, One Health and STEM Education will help move the conversation forward on topics such as:

• Climate Resilience
• Biodiversity
• Agriculture & Plant-Insect Interactions
• Arthropods & Health
• Insects as Food & Feed

In addition to the symposium sessions, there will be a variety of extra insect themed offerings. On May 16, the MSU Bug House, in cooperation with the Ohio State University BUGmobile, will provide hands on encounters to acquaint participants with a variety of insects. The MSU Dairy Store will create custom Insect-themed ice cream flavors, available with meals during the symposium and at the Bug House Outreach event.

Joseph Yoon, an Edible Insect Ambassador, world renowned chef and thought leader in entomophagy (or eating insects) will offer cooking demonstrations and work with the MSU Kellogg Center chefs to feature insects in the symposium menu.

A movie night featuring an insect theme will be sponsored by the MSU Department of Entomology at the Kellogg Center on May 17.

Read more about the event here.