Modern facility boosts research education and bee health programs
The University of Guelph has opened its long-awaited honeybee research center to strengthen its long history in bee research and education. The modern facility replaces an older building and provides more space to support research, training, and industry collaboration.
The center includes 15,000 square feet of learning space along with advanced laboratories, classrooms, and bee breeding facilities. Researchers also manage around 300 hives and pollinator gardens, helping improve bee health and sustainability.
Dr. John Cranfield from the Ontario Agricultural College said the center will expand research impact while training more students and beekeepers. It will also increase partnerships with industry groups.
“The Luckevich Pinchin Honeybee Research Centre demonstrates U of G’s leadership in advancing the future of agri-food,” said Dr. John. “The centre has the capacity to expand its research impact, educate more students and beekeepers, and deepen its collaboration with industry partners.”
The center is named after donor Lydia Luckevich and her late husband Don Pinchin, who supported the project. Luckevich highlighted the importance of honeybees for global food production and emphasized the need for strong research programs.
Experts note that beekeeping has become more complex due to pests, climate change, and nutrition challenges. “Beekeeping has gotten far more complex in recent years,” said Paul Kelly, the HBRC’s research and apiary manager. “People need to learn about the biology of the honeybees, but also the pests that affect them, climate change, nutrition and breeding.”
The research team is also working to reduce colony losses. Facilities now include incubation rooms, molecular biology labs, and multiple apiaries. These resources allow scientists to study bee behavior, genetics, and disease resistance.
One major study by Dr. Ernesto Guzman identified the Varroa mite as a leading cause of bee deaths. This research continues to guide efforts to protect colonies worldwide.
Students gain hands-on experience through apiculture courses, which attract up to 1,000 learners each year. Training programs, weekend courses, and educational videos further support beekeepers globally.
Overall, the new center will improve honeybee health, support farmers, and strengthen agriculture systems that depend on pollinators.
Photo Credit: University of Guelph