“The disappearance of insects” will be the theme of the next Science Bar

[Press release] - Published on January 16, 2025 in Press Room, Science-Society

On January 23, starting at 8:30 p.m., the next Science Bar event organized by the University of Montpellier will take place. For this edition, Julien HARAN (CBGP, CIRAD), taxonomist entomologist, Antoine FRAIMOUT (CBGP, INRAE), an evolutionary geneticist specializing in ecology and population genetics, and Ennaloël MATEO-ESPADA (OPIE), a researcher at the Office for Insects and their Environment, will discuss the issue of "wasps, bugs, gnats: is the decline of insects really that serious? ."

The Science Bar has become one of Montpellier's flagship scientific culture events, offering a monthly participatory and citizen-led debate on all aspects of science from January to June. Throughout the season, scientists are invited to engage in a dialogue where their knowledge and practices are shared, but can also be discussed. The season is co-produced by the scientific culture departments of the UM and its partners: INRAE, INSERM, and IRD. This evening event will be translated into sign language. Admission is free, subject to availability.

A Science Bar dedicated to the disappearance of insects

The decline in insect populations, a phenomenon that has received widespread media coverage, raises crucial questions: what are the causes of this disappearance? What impact does it have on our environment and our daily lives? And why does this fundamental issue still seem to be so overlooked? Scientists have been sounding the alarm for more than twenty years, but the issue is still too often ignored.

However, the data is clear: insect populations in European agricultural landscapes have fallen by 70 to 80%, and this decline is accelerating. Although these small creatures are often perceived as pests, they play a fundamental role in pollination, pest control, and soil fertility. Ignoring this decline risks disrupting the entire ecological balance.

To discuss this topic of science and society, three multidisciplinary experts will answer questions from the audience:

• Julien HARAN (CBGP, CIRAD) has been a taxonomist entomologist for 10 years, specializing in the study of weevils, a group of phytophagous beetles, to better understand their role in tropical agrosystems.

• Antoine FRAIMOUT (CBGP, INRAE) is an evolutionary geneticist specializing in ecology and population genetics. His research focuses on the adaptation of invasive species to environmental changes.
• Ennaloël MATEO-ESPADA (OPIE) is a researcher at the Office for Insects and their Environment and a passionate entomologist. She shares her love of insects and photography with the public through podcasts, articles, and conferences.

Free admission subject to availability.