On March 15 and 16, 2024, Dr. Sébastien Boyer, Head of the Medical and Veterinary Entomology Unit at the Institut Pasteur du Cambodge (IPC), travelled to Battambang, accompanied by Flavien Cabon, entomological student to make a courtesy visit to the National University of Battambang (NUBB). They were received by the Mr Tep Neavea, University’s Vice-Rector accompanied by Dr. Chan Hum, acting dean, Mr. Chrea Socheat, vice Dean, Mr. Long Tith, vice dean and Mr. Bo Bonnara.

After an exchange of gifts, including the recently released book on the insects of Cambodia, the participants discussed areas of collaboration to help develop research within the NUBB. Co-supervision of Master’s students (Master of Sustainable Ecosystem Management and Master of Sustainable Agriculture) and collaboration through project research were the most serious avenues in the short term.

These exchanges were followed by a lecture given to students of the Master of Sustainable Agriculture program on Saturday, March 16, 2024. This lecture focused on medical entomology in Cambodia and bat ectoparasites. Let’s hope this first meeting leads to future collaborations in ecology.

Dr. Sébastien Boyer also took the opportunity of his visit to Battambang to donate two books, “Les insectes du Cambodge” (Insects in Cambodia), which he co-authored, to the Ecole Française de Battambang (EFB) and the Institut Français du Cambodge. A lesson on insects and mosquitoes in particular was given to CP and CE1 students from the EFB, who were very curious and questioning. As for the Institut Français du Cambodge in Battambang, Dr Sébastien Boyer gave a conference in French to Cambodian learners on medical entomology. The lecture gave rise to enriching exchanges on the risks associated with vector-borne diseases and ways of protecting oneself.