25 August 2011 The 3rd combined Australian and New Zealand Entomological Societies conference at Lincoln University

Lincoln University will be hosting the largest gathering of entomologists from around New Zealand and Australia at the Third Combined Australian and New Zealand Entomological Societies Conference, starting Sunday 28 August 2011.

The Chair of the organising committee is Lincoln University's John Marris and the conference is for all entomological interests, ranging from insect control through to conservation and from the theoretical to the applied. 

Over the four days there is an exciting line-up of plenary and keynote speakers and a full programme of symposia.  The keynote and plenary speakers include:

• Prof. Peter Cranston - what can insects, especially Chironomidae (midges), tell us about austral ecological and biogeographic history.
• Georgina Langdale - the economics of nature.
• Prof. Mark Burgman - making the most of intelligence information and export judgements for biosecurity.
• Associate Prof. Andy Suazrez - the biogeography of ant invasions and its implications for biosecurity.
• Steven Chown - the ongoing biological consequences of climate change: lessons from and for ectotherms.
• Dr Stephen Goldson - how New Zealand pasture ecosystems provide unique opportunities for biocontrol and ecological experimentation.

One symposium that promises to be a highlight is the Communication in the Digital Age.  The digital revolution has had a profound effect on how entomologists collaborate internationally and developments in this area will play a key role in the future.

The closing plenary on Thursday 1 September will be given by Landcare Research's moth expert, Robert Hoare, talking about 'the blue-rinse moth with the secret inflatable hair-drier, the star-spangled can-opener and other wonders of the wainscot world'.  This will be an educational and entertaining look at the entomological world.

For more information on the conference and to view the programme, visit http://ento.org.nz/conference/.