Page 2 - Bee Research Case Initiative

Envision a future full of healthy honey bees
We are living in a time of environmental challenges that affect us in so many ways. Lack of appropriate habitat, climate change, pesticides, and disease pressures are threatening the thousands of insect species on which our world depends.
At the center of this global problem is the honey bee. Honey bees have been tied closely to human culture and agriculture since the dawn of recorded history. These amazing insects remain essential to our food systems, our economies, and our understanding and tracking of broader ecosystem health.
Honey bees have done so much for us. Now, in the face of extreme and evolving health and environmental challenges, they need our help. They need us to
create a future where they can thrive again. They
need the innovative and passionate research of the internationally renowned Bee Lab.
And you. They need you. Together we can create a future full of healthy honey bees.
Situated to soar
We’re inviting you to join us in creating an endowed chair in honey bee research. Together we can ensure the exciting, innovative research and outreach at the
Bee Lab soars to the next level. With an endowed chair, top researchers will have the support they need to address the health of honey bees and foster a future that is full of vibrant agriculture, healthy ecosystems, and a thriving economy.
A record of innovation
The University of Minnesota has one of the oldest honey bee programs in the nation. The Bee Lab started in
1918 and—propelled by ground-breaking research and your incredible generosity—has expanded in scope and impact over the years.
Our successes in breeding disease-resistant honey bees, exploring the interaction between viruses and
varroa mites, and discovering the benefits of plant resins (propolis) are already making a positive difference. These breakthroughs are helping beekeepers reduce their reliance on chemical treatments for pest management, ensuring healthy, strong colonies for honey production and pollination.
The Bee Lab impacts beekeepers locally and
globally. We provide education to new and advanced beekeepers and teach communities how to do
their part to create bee-friendly habitat. We work in collaboration with farmers to find the best ways to add pollinator habitat in farmland. The Bee Lab’s discovery of how to grow honey bee cells in a lab setting has enabled researchers from around the world to address issues of bee health at the cellular level. It’s time to take the Bee Lab’s innovative work to the next level.