Research

The BBKA spends approximately £30,000 each year supporting bee-related research via our Research, Technology and Environment (RTE) Committee.   

We consider wide ranging topics which have a benefit to bees and beekeeping.  These topics can include bee behaviour, bee husbandry, pollination, forage or the environment.  Traditionally, this has focused on academic research, though we have supported individuals undertaking, for example, citizen science projects. 

The BBKA itself is not a research organisation but we work in conjunction with UK research establishments; usually universities and other institutes.  Unfortunately, we are not able to offer any funding to overseas researchers.

The BBKA has a policy of not distributing surveys for completion except those in support of research funded by us.

All requests for funding are submitted to the RTE Committee which comprises elected BBKA Trustees.  If the RTE Committee, in conjunction with an expert panel, believes the application is valid and of interest it will then go to the BBKA Board of Trustees for final approval of funding.

Future areas of interest:
Though not specific to any research area, the RTE Committee welcomes applications whose outputs are directly, and practically, relevant to BBKA members.  Of note, applications which directly address and provide mitigation to current and emerging threats are of particular interest, eg Yellow-legged Asian Hornet, Tropilaelaps and Small Hive Beetle.