Behind the Science with Curator of Flies Torsten Dikow

“What is the Pinned Insect Digitization Conveyor?”

With more than 35 million specimens, the Smithsonian insect collection is one of the largest entomology collections in the world. It is an archive of global insect biodiversity, shedding light on the most diverse group of animals on the planet. Making such a sprawling collection, and the trove of scientific data it contains, accessible to researchers around the world is a challenge the museum facing head on.  

Entomologist Dr. Torsten Dikow is part of the team currently working to digitize a large swath of the collection’s pollinating insect specimens using the museum’s Pinned Insect Digitization Conveyor, a state-of-the-art system that has never before been used in North America. Torsten will discuss the How and Why of digitizing more than 325,000 bees, flies, butterflies and beetles and their associated data labels. He will also explore the importance of making all of this data accessible to science and the public given the vital role insect pollinators play in natural environments.

Registration is encouraged. Space is filled on a first come first served basis.
Image credit: James D. Tiller, Smithsonian Institution
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About the Series:

Behind the Science
A monthly after-hours series featuring NMNH scientists and researchers

Each month, join the National Museum of Natural History for the new series, Behind the Science, where NMNH researchers share insights into their latest discoveries and explore the fascinating questions driving their work—from the origins of life to the future of our planet. Come learn what’s happening behind the scenes and how science shapes our understanding of the natural world.

Programs take place in Q?rius, the Coralyn W. Whitney Science Education Center.
Topics and speakers announced on a rolling basis, but save the dates now!

Upcoming Dates:
May 11: Liz Cottrell, Research Geologist and Curator
Jun. 9: Matt Girard, Zoologist
Jul. 14: Curator of Flies Torsten Dikow
Aug. 11: Nick Pyenson, Paleontologist (Marine Mammals)
Sep. 15: Missy Hawkins, Research Zoologist and Curator of our upcoming Bison: Standing Strong Exhibit
Oct. 13: Matthew Carrano, Paleontologist and Curator of Dinosauria
Nov. 10: TBA
Dec. 8: TBA