Supplemental Research Priorities for June 1, 2023 Deadline

Project Apis m.’s next deadline for submitting proposals is June 1st. In addition to PAm’s long-standing research priorities, we are soliciting applications that will address emerging and potential issues for the industry. We hope to meet these challenges with creative, collaborative, robust responses from researchers.

Characterize or address viral disease in U.S. honey bees: In light of recent reports of high and unusual colony losses, and bee shortages for almond pollination, it is clear that probing the role of viral diseases requires analysis of large-scale, longitudinal samples and collaborative approaches.
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• Research or projects that deploy or leverage longitudinal viral testing and sampling and/or large-scale monitoring for emerging strains or virulence.
• Research that explores and parses the impacts of Varroa and associated viruses.
• Research that moves the industry forward on mitigation strategies and/or assesses impacts of viral disease.

Guiding the industry on invasive pests. Although not yet detected in North America, Tropilaelaps mites are spreading globally, and have devastating potential. Preparedness, mitigation strategies, and basic biological knowledge to protect the industry are valuable pursuits.

• Developing molecular or other modern tools for surveillance and/ or detection.
• Creating materials for beekeeper education and strategies for citizen monitoring and reporting that could be replicated and amplified for a unified response.
• Developing models or other tools for risk mitigation, potential economic impacts to the bee industry and food production, and/or identifying vulnerabilities or targets for increased awareness and surveillance.
• Testing or researching new treatment methods to control new pests.

Project Apis m. recognizes that there are already introduced pests, such as Northern Giant Hornet and the Spotted Lantern Fly, that have the potential to impact the industry in various ways. We are interested in learning more about any ongoing research efforts in this area and invite researchers to get in touch prior to submitting a complete proposal.

Please contact grace@projectapism.org with any questions.