Lara Maistrello, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia

Associate Professor in General and Applied Entomology with qualification as Full Professor at the Department of Life Sciences and BIOGEST-SITEIA Interdepartmental Center of the University of Modena and Reggio Emilia

From the economy linear to circular: it is absolutely essential to change course in the way of living and managing resources, veering towards sustainability. In nature does not exist waste, and what for us humans is waste, For others organisms is an excellent substrate on which to grow and thrive. Insects they occupy all ecological niches, and it is among the consumers of plants or dead animals, and in general of organic matter at various stages of decomposition that can be found the most unusual allies for man: those useful for making circular economy. So here is that certain species of insects from pests of foodstuffs, annoying tenants of the dwellings or repugnant sewage dwellers are transformed into precious means to valorise agri-food by-products and waste e (legislation permitting) organic waste of all kinds, obtaining useful products for agriculture and various industrial applications, feed for animals and ... food for humans!