Insect-IMP actively participated in the 6th Insects to Feed the World (IFW) conference, held from 9–12 June 2026 in Turin, Italy. The event brought together researchers and industry professionals from around the world to share the latest developments, discuss challenges and explore opportunities in the insect farming sector.
With support from the Insect-IMP COST Action (CA22140) through Conference Grants, eight researchers participated in the conference and presented their work on insect genetics, selective breeding, production efficiency, behaviour and microbiome research.
Scientific contributions
Insect-IMP-supported researchers contributed to the scientific programme through oral and poster presentations covering a broad range of topics related to sustainable insect breeding and production.
Oral presentations
- Patience Pays: A Successful Multi-Year Breeding Program in Black Soldier Flies – Kriti Shrestha
- Genetic effects on larval performance and bioconversion efficiency in Hermetia illucens: validation across generations – Lotte Frooninckx
- Effects of long-term storage on Hermetia illucens larval performance – Maaike Verschaeren
- Geography and climate shape genetic diversity in black soldier fly populations across native and introduced ranges – Mert Kükrer
- When and where: Data insights for identifying temporal patterns in BSF behavior and biogeographical hotspots – Noah Lemke
- Friend, foe or feint? The role of Scrofimicrobium in black soldier fly growth and development – Freek IJdema
- The influence of disturbance of Hermetia illucens pupae on egg production – Carl Coudron
Poster presentations
- Does Size Matter? Allometry in Adult Black Soldier Flies under Body-Weight Selection – Kriti Shrestha
- Evaluating Heterosis in Black Soldier Fly: Growth and Survival Following Reciprocal Crosses Between Selected and Unselected Lines – Laura Strachan
- High-throughput computer vision pipeline to study mating behavior across 10 strains of black soldier fly – Noah Lemke
- Organic waste to clean energy: Briquette du Kivu as a model for valorizing urban waste into charcoal in the DR Congo – Noah Lemke (co-author)
Noah Lemke also contributed as a co-author to the presentation The carry-over effect of developmental temperature on black soldier fly adult fitness.
Networking and promoting Insect-IMP
In addition to the scientific presentations, Insect-IMP was also present with a dedicated exhibition stand, where conference participants could learn more about the Action, its activities and opportunities to join the network.
The conference provided valuable opportunities for researchers and industry professionals to exchange knowledge, discuss practical challenges in insect breeding and production, and establish new contacts for future collaboration.
Through its scientific contributions and exhibition presence, Insect-IMP increased the visibility of the Action and strengthened connections across the international insect farming community.
Explore the IFW 2026 Book of Abstracts.