NSWk workshop

Discovering Insect Biodiversity

Get hands-on with real insect specimens at ANU during National Science Week. Use microscopes, help sort insects collected by researchers, and discover the incredible diversity of Australia's smallest animals.

schedule Date & time
Date/time
23 Aug 2026 9:30am - 23 Aug 2026 4:30pm
person Speaker

Speakers

ANU researchers and PhD students
monetization_on Cost

Cost

Free! But registration essential. Suitable for five years and above.

contact_support Contact
Joshua Coates
Workshop Convener
Claire Stephens
CBA Coordinator

Content navigation

Register

Description

Malaise trap sample

Did you know that most animals are insects? Or that most insects are unknown to science? This National Science Week join researchers at the Australian National University to explore the hidden insect biodiversity all around us.

At this interactive, hands-on workshop, you'll get the chance to look at real insect specimens collected in scientific research, learn how to identify them and help sort them into different groups. Using microscopes, you'll see tiny details that are impossible to spot with the naked eye and learn how these insects go about their daily lives.

Along the way, you'll learn how ANU scientists study biodiversity, why insects are important for healthy ecosystems, and how collecting and sorting specimens helps us understand and protect Australia's unique wildlife.

Come and experience science in action and get up close with Australia's tiniest animals. No experience is needed, and ANU researchers will be on hand to answer questions and share fascinating insect facts.

This workshop is free but registration is essential. Two sessions are available to book, 9:30am-12:30pm and 1:30-4:30pm. Suitable for five years and above. Children under 10 should be accompanied by an adult.

Please wear enclosed shoes and tie back long hair. Lab coats will be provided.

Bookings close 5pm Friday 21 August.

Location

Gould Building from Linnaeus Way

The workshop will be held in the ANU Research School of Biology teaching lab on the ground floor of the Gould Building, 116 Daley Road. Please note that access is from Linnaeus Way not Daley Road.

There is plenty of free weekend parking on campus off Linnaeus Way near the ground floor entrance of the Gould Building (Bldg 116).

Session 1 starts at 9:30am and Session 2 at 1:30pm. We will meet you outside 10 minutes before your session commences. Look for the Malaise Trap!

-35.276547739985, 149.11620855331