Event: Fly Research and Conservation Virtual Symposium

True flies (order Diptera) are insects with a single functional pair of wings, with the second pair modified into halteres that help with balance and agile flight. Ecologically, flies play major roles as pollinators, decomposers, and key links in food webs, breaking down organic matter and recycling nutrients. Some species are also important disease vectors, while others help control pests by preying on or parasitising them. Beyond ecology, flies have practical applications in forensics (estimating time of death), medicine (maggot therapy for wound cleaning), and science, where fruit flies are classic model organisms in genetics.

Join us for a virtual symposium on Fly Research and Conservation, bringing together fly specialists, researchers, and conservationists to explore the fascinating world of Diptera. This event will cover the latest advancements in fly ecology, taxonomy, and biodiversity, as well as strategies for conserving these vital yet often overlooked insects. The audience will have the opportunity to submit their questions to each of our speakers as part of live Q&A sessions.

Speaker Programme

The Fly Research and Conservation Virtual Symposium will feature speakers from a range of fly research and conservation projects:

1. Bringing the Dead Alive with Dr Erica McAlister (Natural History Museum, London)
2. Trillions and Trillions Sold: How and Why We Farm (Some) Flies with Meghan Barrett (Insect Welfare Research Society)
3. Mapping the UK's Flat Flies with Dr Denise Wawman FRES (University of Oxford)
4. The Aspen Hoverfly: From Research and Survey to Influencing Woodland Policy with Iain MacGowan (National Museums Scotland)

The presentations will be recorded and shared with those who booked alongside Q&A transcripts and lists of useful links via a password-protected website following the event.

Ticket Fees

This symposium is delivered without external funding, so ticket fees help cover the costs of organising and hosting the event. We want the event to be as accessible as possible, so we have introduced a flexible pricing model that allows attendees to choose the ticket that best reflects their circumstances.

Professional Ticket (£30 + VAT)
For those attending as part of their work or continuing professional development (CPD).

Non-professional Ticket (Pay what you can)
Minimum fee: £1
Suggested contribution: £12.50

This ticket is intended for non-professionals, including volunteer biological recorders, conservation volunteers, amateur naturalists, students, and anyone attending in a personal capacity.