Curating & Communicating: on a mission to advocate for insects

Abstract

• Ashleigh is a museum-based entomologist, working with National Museums Scotland for the past 8 years to care for, curate and develop the collection of 2.5 million insect specimens. A key element of this role is ensuring accessibility to the collection, which can take many forms. From hosting in-person visits and delivering tours or public talks, to sending specimen loans around the world, digitizing the collection, creating new public displays, or promoting the collection online. It’s a varied and rewarding job. As a keen science communicator, Ashleigh is passionate about disseminating entomology to the wider public. Alongside her museum work she is actively involved with a variety of organisations, to further this mission, including The Royal Entomological Society, The Biological Records Centre, and The Entomological Collections Network. A thread running through all the various elements of her work is social media. It’s a powerful tool that any entomologist can use to promote insects and infect others with this obsession! In this talk, Ashleigh will reflect on some of her experiences (both good and bad) and share some of her top tips for advocating for insects via social med