Richard Hopkins

Professor Richard Hopkins serves as the Head of Department for Agriculture, Health & Environment at the Natural Resources Institute, University of Greenwich. He is also a Professor of Behavioural Entomology and leads the Pest Behaviour Research Group. His academic career includes prior roles at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences' Ecology Department before joining NRI in 2014.

His research focuses on insect behavior, particularly mosquito oviposition site selection and vector-borne disease control. Key collaborations include work with Prof. Rickard Ignell at SLU Alnarp on malaria mosquito behavior, studies with the Swedish National Veterinary Laboratories on mosquito distribution, and a project with FIOCRUZ in Brazil targeting Aedes aegypti. His work spans plant-insect interactions, such as crucifer-insect dynamics and glucosinolate systems, as well as ecological impacts of agricultural practices on pest populations.

Notable research themes include: mosquito host-seeking behavior, chemical ecology of plant-insect interactions, and the application of climate-smart agriculture principles. His recent studies explore the efficacy of odor-baited trapping systems for malaria control and the influence of environmental factors on mosquito larval microbiota.

Prof. Hopkins' contributions include pioneering methods for identifying mosquito host species through blood meal analysis and advancing understanding of plant defense mechanisms against root pests. His work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, integrating entomology, ecology, and agricultural science to address global challenges in disease control and sustainable farming.

His research has been supported by international collaborations and has informed policy discussions on urban green space management and vector control strategies. Current projects aim to improve disease prevention through innovative behavioral interventions targeting key vector species.