A new spin-out business that will help improve the health and management of the State’s bee population has been launched by The University of Western Australia. 

UWA Scientific Bee Services will work with the beekeeping industry to offer consulting and outreach services, and provide bees and queens for sale.

“As a research facility we are best placed to offer research-backed products and services, which could help beekeepers improve the management of their bee populations.”

Dr Julia Grassl

Dr Julia Grassl, from UWA’s School of Molecular Sciences, said the business venture was established to meet growing demand from the beekeeping industry.

“Since establishing our bee research lab, we developed strong links with the community and have provided outreach and services,” Dr Grassl said.

“As a research facility we are best placed to offer research-backed products and services, which could help beekeepers improve the management of their bee populations.”

UWA Vice-Chancellor, Professor Amit Chakma, launched UWA Scientific Bee Services by branding a series of bee hives.

UWA Vice-Chancellor, Professor Amit Chakma, branded a hive during the launch.

Dr Grassl said honey bees played a highly important role worldwide, with almost one-third of food sources pollinated by bees.

“They are one of the biggest pollinators of agricultural crops, but unfortunately honey bees around the world are under threat from diseases, pesticides and urbanisation,” Dr Grassl said.