Professor of Entomology delivers inaugural lecture

THE UK’s only Professor of Entomology, Professor Simon Leather, welcomed, friends, colleagues and invited guests to attend an inaugural lecture at Harper Adams University, recently.

Professor Leather was welcomed to the university in Shropshire last year, to head up a new suite of courses and associated research in the fields of entomology and integrated pest and disease management.

He is a member of the Royal Entomological Society Council and is on the Steering Advisory Group of the Environmental Change Network. He is also a Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society of London and holds professional memberships of the Association of Applied Biologists, Society of Biology, Fauna and Flora Preservation Society, and British Ecological Society.

Since joining Harper Adams in September, Professor Leather has soon become a respected member of the academic community, enhancing the established foundations of the Crop and Environment Sciences Department.

Professor Leather and the team have fast settled into life at Harper Adams, with recruitment for the September intake of the entomologists of the future already appearing favourable.

The lecture – a celebratory event that shares past achievements and future aspirations, took place in the Regional Food Academy on campus and welcomed past and present colleagues, friends, family and influential figures from industry.

Commenting on the occasion, Professor Leather, said: “I was of course delighted to become the UK’s only Professor of Entomology, here at Harper Adams University.

“I have never found it that easy to blow my own trumpet, so the thought of standing in front of an audience and doing just that was a little daunting to say the least.

“I do, however, feel that one should always take the opportunity to publicize entomology when possible, so agreed to do so.”

During his presentation, Professor Leather told of his journey, beginning with his first experience of biology when he was only three years old.

He shared with the audience how his interest in entomology had developed during his university days and early research projects.

Professor Leather highlighted the results of various projects that had been completed during his career, including collaborations with academics across the country and work for the Forestry Commission.

He outlined his current research projects and collaborations, as well as his thoughts for the future - including the newly created Centre for Integrated Pest Management at Harper Adams.

This Centre is a multidisciplinary team addressing UK and global issues in agricultural, forestry and horticultural crop production with active research interests in entomology, chemical ecology, pest monitoring, application technology, nematology, pesticides, plant pathology and weed science.

To conclude, Professor Leather gave thanks to everyone that had contributed to his career thus far, and his friends and family for their support.
ENDS

Janine M Heath
Press Office
Harper Adams University
01952 815428

Harper Adams University is the UK's leading specialist provider of higher education for the rural and land-based industries. Our mission is to deliver higher education and research for the delivery of a sustainable food chain and rural economy. To see how Harper Adams can help you, visit www.harper-adams.ac.uk 

Tags: