David Collins

David Collins is a Research Fellow at the University of East Anglia, affiliated with the School of Biological Sciences. He holds dual roles as an Associate Tutor in the Faculty of Science and Senior Research Associate in Biological Sciences. His research focuses on ageing processes in insects, particularly Drosophila melanogaster and Bombus terrestris, exploring the interplay between reproduction, diet, and longevity. He has also investigated social insect caste determination and RNA interference in sexual conflict.

Teaching responsibilities include modules in Environmental Sciences (e.g., 'Statistics and Modelling for Scientists using R'), ecology, and field-based courses like 'Fieldwork in the Tropics' and 'Ireland Field Course'.

Collins has led two major projects: 'Evolution and molecular basis of caste differentiation in bees' (BBSRC-funded, 2014–2017) and 'The role of microRNAs in caste differentiation and reproduction in bumble bees' (Salter Trust-funded, 2013).

His research outputs span topics like social insect longevity mechanisms, developmental diet effects, and comparative genomics of arthropods. Although no explicit awards are listed, his work has garnered notable readership (e.g., 277 readers on Mendeley for his 2018 paper).