High Schoolers Dive into the World of Insect Farming at UTH

Volos, April 7, 2025 – At the University of Thessaly 50 students from the 1st EPAL Agias stepped into the world of entomology and sustainable agriculture. With a mission to promote circular economy strategies and environmental innovation, this visit wasn’t just another school field trip—it was a window into the future of food, farming, and science.

Welcome to the Future: Agriculture Meets Innovation

From the moment they arrived, the students were welcomed by the warm hospitality of Professor Christos Athanassiou, a leading voice in the field of entomology. As they gathered in the Department of Agriculture, Crop Production and Rural Environment, the young visitors got their first glimpse into how academic research intersects with global challenges such as food security, climate change, and sustainability.

Professor Athanassiou highlighted the many pathways open to students who pursue agricultural sciences, shedding light on how entomology—often overlooked—plays a pivotal role in solving real-world problems. The conversation was lively, with students asking about university life, job opportunities, and how insects can actually save rather than harm our environment.

Live Science in Action: From Pest Control to Edible Insects

The highlight of the day came in the laboratory, where science came alive—literally. Students observed live colonies of insects, from notorious pests like the Mediterranean fruit fly to promising protein sources like the yellow mealworm and black soldier fly.

Guided by PhD students of the Laboratory of Entomology and Agricultural Zoology, the visitors explored the intricacies of insect rearing. They learned how insects are cultivated for pest management, alternative proteins, and even organic waste conversion. Concepts like breeding environments, rearing systems, and insect-derived products were brought to life with real examples and dynamic explanations.

Most fascinating of all was the realization that insects—often

thought of as pests—can be heroes of a sustainable future.

Planting the Seeds of Change

As the day came to a close, for many of the students, this wasn’t just a visit—it was a spark. The hands-on experience, the scientific exploration, and the vision for a greener planet left a deep impression.

This outreach event stands as a shining example of how education, science, and environmental stewardship can come together to empower the next generation. Thanks to EntoFARM and the University of Thessaly, the seeds of curiosity and commitment to sustainable solutions have been planted—and the future looks bright.