Navigating the Ethics of Insect Research: Sentience, Welfare, and Scientific Responsibility - On Research Podcast

On Research - with CITI Program

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2M ago 38:48

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They outnumber us by the quintillions. They’re used in research across genetics, behavior, ecology, neuroscience—even robotics. But when it comes to ethics and welfare, insects are often left out of the conversation. Can they feel pain? What responsibilities do researchers have to them? This episode of On Research explores big ethical questions about our smallest research subjects. Our guests are Dr. Meghan Barrett (Indiana University Indianapolis) and Dr. Bob Fischer (Texas State University), co-founders of the Insect Welfare Research Society.

For links to studies, references, and further reading, please visit the CITI Program blog - https://about.citiprogram.org/blog/on-research-podcast-navigating-the-ethics-of-insect-research-sentience-welfare-and-scientific-responsibility/

Notes:

Clarification at 14:32 by Barrett: There are direct connections between sensory integrative brain regions and connections from the nociceptors to the sensory integrative brain regions (but that these are, necessarily, not direct.)
Consistent with the Indiana University Statement of Policy on Institutional Neutrality, the comments by Barrett contained in this communication are solely her own and such comments and content are not intended to be construed, and shall not be construed, as the views of Indiana University or comments made on behalf of or by Indiana University.

Additional resources:

Working with Insects in Research Settings – A CITI Program Course https://about.citiprogram.org/course/working-with-insects-in-research-settings/
On Tech Ethics – A CITI Program Podcast: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2120643

Chapters

1. Navigating the Ethics of Insect Research: Sentience, Welfare, and Scientific Responsibility - On Research Podcast (00:00:00)

2. Opening Reflections on Sentience Evidence (00:00:01)

3. Podcast Introduction & Episode Overview (00:00:36)

4. Guest Introductions & Backgrounds (00:01:22)

5. How Insects Are Used in Research (00:04:11)

6. Defining Sentience & Assessing It in Animals (00:06:43)

7. Applying Sentience Frameworks to Insects (00:12:00)

8. Evidence for Insect Sentience & Precautionary Standards (00:13:54)

9. Ethical Considerations & Instrumental Reasons for Insect Welfare (00:18:20)

10. Minimizing Harm in Insect Research (00:22:03)

11. Applying Vertebrate Animal Welfare Principles to Insects (00:25:25)

12. PI and Research Team Responsibilities (00:28:36)

13. Institutional Norms, Public Trust, and Policy (00:31:41)

14. Future Directions: Community Dialogue & Best Practices (00:34:36)

15. Future Directions: Evidence Gathering & Research Needs (00:36:17)

16. Closing Remarks & Podcast Outro (00:37:26)

34 episodes

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