Insect Week: Women in Entomology

In celebration of Insect Week 2024, join us for a panel discussion highlighting some of the inspirational women in entomology.

Inspired by the work of Scottish entomologist and moth collector Alice Blanche Balfour, we’re celebrating moths and some of the impressive women of entomology who passionately dedicated their time to studying these insects.

Join us for a panel discussion about some of the important women involved in the history and science of entomology.

Curator Ashleigh Whiffin will be in discussion with Don Opitz, Associate Professor at DePaul University, moth recorder Katty Baird and budding entomologist Holly Doherty.

The discussion will be followed by an audience Q&A.

Entomology Curator at National Museums Scotland, Ashleigh Whiffin is responsible for the care, curation and development of the insect collection, containing approximately 2.5 million specimens. Ashleigh is a keen science communicator and is passionate about sharing entomology and the value of our collections to the wider public.

Dr. Don Opitz is an historian of science whose research focuses on women in science, with an emphasis on women’s roles in amateur natural history. He is the world expert on Alice Balfour. He teaches at DePaul University, Chicago.

National Museums Scotland Volunteer Katty Baird is an ecologist and contemporary moth catcher. She is an expert in local moths.

Holly Doherty is a young budding entomologist and volunteer for Butterfly Conservation.

We want everyone who comes to our museums to enjoy their time with us and make the most of their visit. 

• There is level access to the Museum via the main doors to the Entrance Hall on Chambers Street and the Tower entrance at the corner of Chambers Street and George IV Bridge.  
• Lifts are available to all floors and accessible toilets are available on Levels 0 and 3, as well as a Changing Places (U) toilet in the Entrance Hall on Level 0. 
• Wheelchairs are available for loan at no charge. Please note wheelchairs cannot be booked in advance. On arrival, ask about availability at the Information Desk. Small mobility scooters are permitted inside the museum.
• There is an induction loop in the Auditorium. 
• Guide dogs, hearing dogs and other recognised assistance dogs are admitted. 

Find out more about our access information. If you have any questions about accessing this event, please email us in advance at publicevents@nms.ac.uk.

This event is part of Insect Week 2024.

Insect Week is organised by the Royal Entomological Society, and supported by partner organisations throughout the UK and Europe.

This event is supported by Butterfly Conservation and The British Society for the History of Science