Recent progress in the research on insect sentience and pain suggests that some insects at some life stages may be sentient. But if insects are sentient, what should we do to protect and promote their welfare in the contexts where we use or manage them? The concept of individual welfare will be introduced and applied to consider strategies for improving the lives of insects.

Dr Meghan Barrett is an Assistant Professor of Biology at Indiana University Indianapolis and Director of the Insect Welfare Research Society. Her research focuses on insect neuroscience, physiology, and welfare, particularly in the farmed context.

The 1-hour event will consist of a presentation followed by a Q&A with the tutor using questions provided by the live audience. The presentation will be recorded and made available through the entoLIVE blog alongside a write-up of the Q&A and any links to further info.

entoLIVE is delivered by the Biological Recording Company, British Entomological & Natural History Society, Royal Entomological Society and Amateur Entomologists’ Society, with support from Buglife, Field Studies Council and NBN Trust.