By Alice Assmar, a PhD candidate at McGill University

In August 2024, I had the outstanding opportunity to attend the International Congress of  Entomology (ICE 2024), in Kyoto, Japan. This unforgettable experience was made possible by the  Excellence Award offered by the Quebec Centre for Biodiversity Science (QCBS), which provided me with financial support to present my research at this prestigious conference. 

Presenting my research 

I have always been amazed by the diversity and ubiquity of insects, and understanding their origin and evolution became my passion. Even though freshwater ecosystems greatly differ from terrestrial habitats, several lineages of insects colonized this ecosystem. More impressively, some lineages have even returned to land, overcoming the barriers between these environments.  

My doctoral research focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind these life-strategy  transitions in freshwater insects. I am investigating the processes leading to the diversification and  global distribution of these organisms over time. By using specific portions of their genomes and  performing statistical analyses, I aim to estimate when and where the species evolved, understand  the evolution of their adaptations, and unravel how they have distributed across the planet. 

Considering the current impacts of climate change on freshwater ecosystems, understanding how  their biodiversity evolved is crucial for future conservation efforts. 

The scientific side of ICE 2024 

ICE meetings happen every four years and are some of the largest in-person scientific events on entomology. More than 4,000 entomologists from 82 countries attended the conference, creating a  successful event with immense integration of knowledge. The opening ceremony featured the  Prince of Japan, highlighting the importance and prestige of this event. It was my first time  attending such a large conference, and for me, the most exciting part was connecting with fellow  researchers. 

The opportunity to present the main chapter of my doctoral thesis at this esteemed conference  allowed me to have a collaborative exchange of ideas. I was able to discuss my research with a  broad audience, expanding my perspectives and providing me with insights that will undoubtedly  enhance my work. Additionally, sharing my work created opportunities for collaborations, as I  discussed potential projects with colleagues from different fields.

One of the questions I was asked during my Q&A session, by a genomics specialist, excited me with the possibility of expanding my dataset and concatenating different data types. With this new approach, I can answer my research question by comparing the results of two distinct datasets that have never been used before for this insect group, adding strength to my research. Additionally, I was invited to collaborate on a project describing a new fossil specimen collected in North America, belonging to a group currently extinct in this region.

The social side of the ICE 2024

The Kyoto International Conference Center was the perfect place for this event. Surrounded by  nature, this spacious facility not only hosted symposiums and workshops but also allowed interactions with the community. Elementary and junior high school students participated in an insect art competition and their artwork was displayed throughout the conference. I thought it was  heartwarming to see the insects through the eyes of children. Traditional Japanese crafts were also  available on-site, fostering the integration of insect science and art. 

It’s impossible to talk about a conference in Japan without mentioning the stunning beauty of the  country’s culture and architecture. Kyoto’s temples, shrines, and green areas create breathtaking  landscapes that transform it into a truly unique city. 

QCBS 

I am incredibly grateful to QCBS for providing the financial support that allowed me to attend ICE 2024. I returned reinvigorated from this amazing experience and full of ideas to further improve my research. It was such an enriching experience!