With mosquito-borne diseases expanding across Europe, what should we know?

Did you know that Scotland is home to a surprising diversity of mosquitos?

Join Professor Heather Ferguson to learn about new research exploring their ecology, distribution and potential to transmit disease. Drawing on findings from the Mosquito Scotland project, you'll hear how environmental change could influence the risk of mosquito-borne diseases in Scotland. Professor Ferguson will also share key insights from a nationwide citizen-science reporting scheme, which captured Scotland's experiences with mosquitoes throughout the country.

As climate change enables some mosquito species to expand into northern Europe, taking their pathogens with them, the questions around Scotland’s mosquitos is becoming increasingly important.

The talk will also examine the history of malaria transmission in Scotland, the mosquito species found here today, and what current research tells us about the potential for other diseases such as West Nile virus and Usutu virus.

The session will include an audience Q&A for attendees in person and online.

If you’re curious about Scotland’s wildlife, interested in public health or wondering why mosquitoes seem to be appearing in new places in Scotland, then come find out more.

Can't attend in-person? Watch online!

This is a hybrid event. This event page is for the in-person tickets only. If you would like to attend online, please book your tickets through the online (livestreamed) event page.

Important points to note

This event is suitable for age 16+

Event format: This event is a talk and will involve some speakers sharing talking followed by a Q&A. There may be some interactive parts of the event but you can just sit back and enjoy listening.

Filming: Livestreaming and photography may take place at this event. Please let a member of the RSE Public Engagement team know if you do not want to be photographed. Recorded events will be made available on the RSE YouTube channel.

SPEAKER

Professor Heather M. Ferguson FRSE

Professor of Medical Entomology and Infectious Disease Ecology, School of Biodiversity, One Health and Veterinary Medicine, University of Glasgow

Professor Heather M. Ferguson FRSE is a public health entomologist known for her research on mosquito vectors of malaria, Neglected Tropical Diseases, and emerging diseases in Europe. Her work focuses on mosquito behaviour and ecology, with the aim of improving surveillance and control of vector borne diseases. This includes research on how mosquitoes respond to interventions and environmental change. Much of her research is conducted in partnership with the Ifakara Health Institute in Tanzania, where she is a visiting scientist. She has collaborated widely with teams in Kenya, Burkina Faso, the Philippines, Malaysia, Ecuador, Colombia, and the United Kingdom. She currently leads Mosquito Scotland, the first multidisciplinary One Health programme assessing how climate change may influence the establishment of mosquito borne diseases in Scotland. She has advised the World Health Organization on vector borne diseases for over a decade and serves as Chair of the Strategic Technical Advisory Group on Neglected Tropical Diseases.

About the Curious festival

The RSE’s free Curious festival of knowledge is back, from Saturday 5 − Sunday 13 September 2026!

Curious is Scotland’s annual festival of knowledge. Across its seven-year history, Curious has welcomed over 10,000 attendees into its yearly programme of talks, workshops, discussions and exhibitions – all covering different topics and subject areas. There’s no need for you to have any prior specialist knowledge before coming along, just bring your curious self! With plenty of events both in person and online, you can take part from anywhere.

You can check out the full programme of events here.

Accessibility

We aim to make events as accessible as possible. If you have any accessibility requirements or have any questions related to how we can support this event, please contact curious@theRSE.org.uk. Accessibility information for the RSE building can be found on our website.

Step-free access: Ramped access for visitors is available via 26 George Street through Lakeland. Upon arrival, please call 0131 240 5000 and a member of staff will meet you and guide you to the event. Please note that the entrance ramp has a steep gradient (1:12).

Wheelchair spaces: If you would like to book a space as a wheelchair user, please select the ticket type 'wheelchair space ticket' during the booking process. If this is sold out, please contact the Curious team on curious@therse.org.uk.

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