Welcome to the

Honeybee Research Center

Intersection between basic university research and practical beekeeping

More information

Our research focus

Neurobiology of learning and memory formation
Functioning of transmitter receptors
Effects of bee diseases and pesticides on the nervous system
New therapies of bee diseases
Behavioral research within the honey bee colony

In addition, of great importance is the education of the public about the ecological and economic importance of honey bees in the form of lectures and guided tours. The institute was founded in 1937 by the Polytechnic Society. Since 1963 it has been maintained jointly with the Goethe University Frankfurt am Main.

Beekeeping

Training for a better future

The Institute of Apiology undertakes the training of beekeepers by our master beekeepers.
The future beekeepers learn about the life processes in a bee colony and acquire basic knowledge about the anatomy and physiology of the bee. The training lasts 3 years and takes place at the Bee Institute Oberursel and as block instruction at the Lower Saxony State Institute for Apiculture in Celle.

Research

Scientific theses

We offer qualified external and internal students to write their theses at the Institute of Apiculture.

News

Research

First live images of honey bee embryogenesis reveal evolutionary secrets

Discover our latest study: Using state-of-the-art microscope techniques, we have been able to film the development of honey bee embryos for the first time. These images provide a unique, dynamic insight into the fascinating processes of embryonic development - from the first cluster of cells to hatching. Our research also reveals differences between honeybees and other insects such as the mealworm. Read the open access article now!

Research

Honey bees adapt the meals of their young seasonally - a key to bee survival strategy

Discover our latest study: By analyzing over 1,200 samples from honey bee colonies, we found out how bees adapt important signaling substances in larval food depending on the season and age of the young. Especially in spring and in young larvae, the substances are more concentrated. This adaptation could prepare bees for winter. Read the freely accessible article here!

Research

Excellencecluster-Initiative RobustNature

The Institute of Apiculture is part of the consortium of different departments of Goethe University Frankfurt, national and international partners and applies for a Cluster of Excellence on Robustness and Resilience of Nature-Society-Systems in the Evolving Anthropocene.

New construction in Oberursel

The Polytechnische Gesellschaft builds the new Institute of Apiology

Nestled in a large bird and insect garden, this building scores 99 out of 100 possible points according to the criteria for sustainable construction.

Research

Behavior in the bee colony

Our new study shows unique behavioral images from the bee colony.

Siefert P, Buling N, Grünewald B (2021)
Honey bee behaviours within the hive: Insights from long-term video analysis.
PLoS ONE 16(3): e0247323. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0247323

Honeybee Research Center

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