‘On Research’ Podcast Interview: Insects in the Lab

Meghan Barrett and Bob Fischer are guests on Season 3, Episode 7 of the CITI ‘On Research’ podcast in an episode titled Navigating the Ethics of Insect Research: Sentience, Welfare, and Scientific Responsibility.

In the podcast, Barrett and Fischer discuss the evidence that insect sentience is plausible in at least some insects, the amazing capacities of insects that make them powerhouse research animals, and what it means to be thinking about responsible research with insects as an early career entomologist and PI. For all that and more, listen here!

In addition, Barrett and Fischer share a little bit about the new CITI training course they were commissioned to create: ‘Working with Insects in Research Settings’, which was just released this year. The course covers basic principles of ethical insect use in research; insect physiology and behavior; laboratory husbandry; invasive and noxious procedure management; analgesics, anesthetics, and euthanasia; and field work, applied work, and transportation. All organizations that subscribe to CITI trainings should have access to this new course, which is a voluntary addition to any entomologist’s training materials.