Boldly empirical.
Radically compassionate.
The Barrett Lab is revolutionizing our understanding of insects’ senses and experiences, providing empirically-supported tools and knowledge to farmers and researchers.
Dedicated to understanding the experiences of insects
The Barrett Lab is breaking new ground in our understanding of insects’ senses and experiences through interdisciplinary collaborations and the application of principles from neuroscience, physiology, and behavior.
Insect welfare is an emerging field of study; the data we generate directly inform best practices and policies for animal users/producers and other stakeholders. Through our research and practice, we aim to understand and improve the ethical use of insects wherever they are managed.
Did you know?
Trillions of insect livestock are farmed for food, feed, silk, dyes, pollination services, honey, shellac, species control applications, and more each year.
Questions that drive our research
What improves or harms insect welfare?
We’re developing a deeper understanding of insect physiology and neuroscience to promote positive states and reduce negative states for insects farmed as livestock and used in research settings.
How do sensory systems support insects’ responses to cognitive demands?
We’re investigating the relationship between brain cell number and volumes in response to the cognitive demands of insects’ environment and/or behavior across a wide range of taxa.
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