Leading our five City Hubs are a group of passionate experts and communicators, each bringing their expertise and local knowledge to Insect Week 2026. From museums and universities to outreach and education, these hub leaders will deliver inspiring, accessible experiences that connect communities with insect science and the natural world.
Meet the team below, all working to help us Stand Tall for the Small and bring insect science to life for thousands of people.
Meet the Faces Behind Each City Hub
Cardiff – Wendy Harris
Dr Wendy Harris is an Associate Professor of Biosciences at Swansea University and Convenor of the Outreach, Education and Culture Special Interest Group.
Wendy combines academic research with a strong passion for outreach, bringing inclusive, engaging activities that inspire curiosity and make insect science accessible to all.
Venue – National Museum Cardiff / Amgueddfa Cymru
Geared towards families and schools, the primary venue for activities taking place at the Edinburgh City Hub will be National Museum Cardiff alongside St Fagans National Museum of History.
Both venues offer exceptional settings for Insect Week activities, combining world-class collections with immersive, open-air experiences in an accessible environment perfect for hands-on activities, learning sessions and close-up encounters with the fascinating world of insects. Together, they create a unique opportunity to explore both the science of insects and their place within our natural and cultural landscapes.
What’s on in Cardiff?
During Insect Week 2026 (22-28 June), expect the following activities at our City Hub in Cardiff:
- Collections display at the National Museum of Wales with museum entomologists.
- Weekend event St Fagans National Museum of History, indoor and outdoor with bug hunts.
Liverpool – Tony Hunter
Tony Hunter is Curator of Entomology at National Museums Liverpool, with extensive experience in collections and public engagement.
Tony brings hands-on expertise and a passion for sharing insect science, helping visitors discover the fascinating world of insects through interactive and accessible experiences.
Venue – World Museum Liverpool
The Liverpool City Hub’s primary venue will be World Museum Liverpool, a dynamic, family-friendly space that brings science and natural history to life in engaging and accessible ways. With its rich collections and interactive galleries, it offers the perfect environment to spark curiosity about the natural world and the incredible diversity of insects.
As a hub for Insect Week, the museum provides an ideal setting for live demonstrations and up-close encounters with specimens. Visitors of all ages can explore insect science in a fun, welcoming space, whether it’s their first time looking down a microscope or discovering the vital roles insects play in our ecosystems.
What’s on in Liverpool?
During Insect Week 2026 (22-28 June), expect the following activities at our City Hub in Liverpool:
- Collections display at the World Museum with museum entomologists.
- Bug hunts and photography workshops in the museums’s wildflower meadow.
- Insect art workshops with the museum’s engagement team.
Dublin – Jane Stout
Professor Jane Stout is President of the Royal Entomological Society and a Professor of Ecology at Trinity College Dublin.
A leading voice in biodiversity and pollination research, Jane brings scientific leadership and a big-picture perspective, highlighting the critical role insects play in ecosystems and society.
Venue – Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin campuses
Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin campuses will host activities taking place at the Dublin City Hub alongside microWild biodiversity meadow, offering a rich and varied setting for Insect Week activities across the Dublin City Hub. Together, they combine world-leading research environments with thriving natural spaces, creating opportunities to explore insects from lab to landscape.
Across the university campuses, visitors can engage with cutting-edge science through interactive sessions, workshops and expert-led activities, making insect research accessible and inspiring. Meanwhile, the microWild biodiversity meadow provides a living example of insect-friendly habitat, where participants can experience insects in the wild and see conservation in action.
What’s on in Dublin?
During Insect Week 2026 (22-28 June), expect the following activities at our City Hub in Dublin:
- Nature walks and biological recording activities on the campuses of Trinity College Dublin and University College Dublin.
- Insect 101 online talk with TCD entomologists.
- Activities across the island of Ireland including Invertopia 2026: The Spineless Wonders Festival in County Wicklow, Murmur of Bees exhibition at Castle Bar, Moth breakfast at Ballincollig Regional Park Cork, Irish student entomology webinar.
Edinburgh – Ashleigh Whiffin
Ashleigh Whiffin is Curator of Entomology at the National Museums Scotland, where she works with nationally important insect collections and public engagement.
Ashleigh brings deep expertise in collections, curation and storytelling, helping audiences explore insect diversity up close and connect with Scotland’s rich natural history.
Venue – National Museums Scotland
The National Museums Scotland provides an inspiring and accessible setting for the Edinburgh City Hub, with its rich collections and strong focus on public engagement making it an ideal base for Insect Week activities. It offers visitors the chance to explore insect science up close, through interactive sessions, displays and hands-on learning experiences.
With additional opportunities to host events across sites such as the National Museums Collection Centre, National Museum of Rural Life and National Museum of Flight, the hub can extend its reach across diverse environments. From behind-the-scenes collections to rural landscapes and open-air settings, these venues allow visitors to experience insects in a variety of contexts.
Together, these spaces create a dynamic and far-reaching programme for Insect Week, connecting communities with insect science, showcasing biodiversity, and inspiring curiosity across Scotland.
What’s on in Edinburgh?
During Insect Week 2026 (22-28 June), expect the following activities at our City Hub in Edinburgh:
- Dung beetle themed trail around the galleries at National Museum Scotland.
- Insect themed ctivities at the National Museum of Rural Life
London – Fran Sconce
Fran Sconce is Senior Outreach & Learning Officer at the Royal Entomological Society, specialising in public engagement and education.
Fran focuses on breaking down barriers to science, delivering creative, inclusive activities that inspire young people and communities to connect with insects and the natural world.
Venue – RES Insect Garden
The primary venue for activities taking place at the London City Hub will be the RES Insect Garden in Stratford Cross, a vibrant, living showcase of how small urban spaces can make a big impact for biodiversity – right in the heart of the city.
Designed with pollinators and other invertebrates in mind, it’s a hands-on space where visitors can see insect-friendly practices in action and learn simple ways to support wildlife. From guided walks and identification sessions to interactive workshops, the garden creates an accessible, welcoming space for all ages to explore insects up close – many for the very first time.
In a busy urban landscape like Stratford, spaces like this are powerful reminders that insects belong everywhere, and that everyone can play a role in supporting them.
What’s on in London?
During Insect Week 2026 (22-28 June), expect the following activities at our City Hub in London:
- Film screening & discussion panel about the perception of insects, with Iain Stirling of Razorbill films.
- Schools visits in the RES insect garden, with education partner Field Studies Council.
- Insect activity day in the RES insect garden Saturday 27 June
With your support, we can make entomology happen – Help us bring Insect Week to life at our city hubs and make a real difference for nature, urban ecology and insect science
Help promote our message
Support doesn’t need to be in the form of a monetary donation – Keep an eye on our channels from 22 April when we’ll start to post about the campaign via our social media below and share your support by spreading the word.
You can also download our Big Give Media Pack for some examples of newsletter and social media copy we’d love you to share amongst your community – support us by helping to amplify our message!
