The Ecologist and the Artist – A Powerful Duo for Insect Conservation

Four inspiring women (from left to right) Prof. Laura Miotto (School of Art, Design and Media, NTU), Prof. Eleanor Slade (TEElab, Asian School of the Environment, NTU), Ms. Wendy Zhang (artist and insect conservation educator), and Prof. Ute Meta Bauer (Professor, Founding Director NTU Centre for Contemporary Arts).

When we imagine the masterminds behind Singapore’s “City in Nature” vision, we often think of urban planners, architects, and environmentalists. But what if some of the most crucial engineers are so small, we barely notice them?

On a Tuesday evening at NTU’s Centre for Contemporary Arts, Singapore, a passionate crowd gathered to learn more about these often-overlooked heroes: Insects. The talk entitled “Invisible Engineers: Insects’ Role in Singapore’s 'City in Nature'", was part of the Climate Transformation Programme (CTP): Sustainable Societies Lecture Series, and it brought together science, conservation, and art in an inspiring way!

Prof. Eleanor Slade, artist Wendy Zhang, and moderator Prof. Laura Miotto came together for an engaging session on the vital roles insects play in Singapore’s ecosystems. Photo 2024 Ong Xin Rui.

Moderated by Associate Professor Laura Miotto from the School of Art, Design and Media NTU, the panel featured two dynamic voices: Prof. Eleanor Slade, a forest invertebrate ecologist and Principal Investigator of the Tropical Ecology & Entomology Lab (TEE Lab), and Wendy Zhang, an artist and educator known for turning tiny insects into powerful stories of conservation.

Prof. Eleanor delivers her talk, “Invisible Engineers: Insects’ Role in Singapore’s 'City in Nature',” highlighting the vital contributions of insects in urban ecosystems. Photo 2024 Ong Xin Rui.

Prof. Eleanor unpacked a pressing concern — the so-called “insect apocalypse” with climate change and land-use development two of the main threats impacting insects worldwide. Here in Singapore, reductions in insect population could threaten the ecological functions and service provides by insects such as pest control, nutrient recycling, pollination and decrease critical food sources for other animals such as birds, bats and amphibians.

Artist Wendy Zhang showcased how art can act as a bridge to inspire us seeing insects differently. Photo 2024 Ong Xin Rui.

Wendy Zhang added a creative lens to the science, showing how art can give voice to the voiceless. Her artwork, grounded in conservation education, calls viewers to reflect on the beauty and function of these creatures.

The conversation didn’t stop at awareness. The panel explored action — how urban design can make space for insects, how citizen science can mobilize everyday people, and how storytelling through both data and art can shift hearts and minds. Stay tuned with TEE Lab as we continue exploring the secret lives of insects and their powerful role in shaping our world. 🐝🌿🪲

Learn more about the Climate Transformation Programme and its groundbreaking research here:

 CTP Overview