Research & Teaching institutes

International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology (icipe) Location: Nirobi, Kenya. The mission of INSEFF is to enhance food and feed security and economic wellbeing of smallholder producers through insect-based technologies and innovations that are sustainable and environmentally benign. This aim is being achieved through developing, disseminating and promoting insect-based technologies for food, feed and other uses to enhance productivity, value addition and overall competitiveness of the agricultural system for improved livelihood.

Wageningen University and Research (WUR) Location: Wageningen, the Netherlands. Wageningen University & Research (WUR) is actively involved in exploring the potential of edible insects as a sustainable protein source for both human consumption and animal feed. Recognizing the urgent need for alternative proteins due to limited global resources and environmental concerns, WUR conducts research on the nutritional value and environmental benefits of insects. They emphasize the high feed conversion efficiency and low greenhouse gas emissions associated with insect farming. WUR also supports education in this field through initiatives like the Summer School on Insects as Food and Feed, aiming to advance knowledge and practical skills in sustainable insect production. 

Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries – IRTA. Location: Spain. The Institut de Recerca i Tecnologia Agroalimentàries IRTA is a public company affiliated with the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Food of the Catalan regional government (Spain). Since 1985, IRTA has provided knowledge, answers and solutions to the Catalan agri-food sector, with which we work side by side. In 2023, IRTA created the Innovation Centre for Alternative Proteins (CiPA), and the Animal Nutrition group installed the centre’s first insect production plant in 2024. IRTA’s main objective is to support the development and competitiveness of the insect sector through evidence-based research and knowledge transfer.

The CLEIC (Leadership Chair in Education in the Primary Production and Processing of Insects as Food and Feed) is based at Université Laval, Faculty of Agriculture and Food Sciences. Its mission is to support the growth of the insects as food and feed sector, focusing on both farming and transformation processes. CLEIC is structured around three main pillars: teaching and training future professionals, facilitating knowledge transfer and leadership among industry and academic players, and conducting research and development to generate innovative solutions. One of the key societal challenges the chair addresses is food waste, which accounts for about 30% of all food in Canada. A significant portion of these losses involves organic residues from food and plant sources. With Québec banning the landfilling of organic waste, there is an urgent need for sustainable alternatives. CLEIC positions insects as a promising solution, capable of bioconverting these organic residues into high-value, nutrient-rich ingredients for animal feed. This approach not only contributes to more sustainable food systems but also aligns with principles of the circular economy and upcycling. By advancing research, education, and collaboration within this emerging field, CLEIC aims to foster a more resilient, environmentally responsible agri-food sector that leverages insects as a viable resource for future food and feed solutions.

Leibniz Institute for Agricultural Engineering and Bioeconomy (ATB) works on by-products valorisation and insect processing for food and feed. Read more

The Center for Insect Biomanufacturing and Innovation (CIBI) represents a first-of-its-kind research center to explore the diverse applications of insect-derived technologies for advancing the biotechnology, food, feed, and other agricultural industries. READ MORE

Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) works on edible insects farming, processing, safety and regulatory environment for food & feed READ MORE