The Laboratory of Applied Apiculture (LAA) is part of the Department of Animal Science, University of Thessaly. The Laboratory was established and started operating in February 2024, and since May of the same year, has moved in its own well-equipped premises covering an area of 165 m2 within the Geopolis campus of Larissa city. It comprises of two laboratory rooms, office rooms, guest room for researchers, all necessary equipment for research and education, plus 50 honeybee colonies.
The operational tasks of LAA are:
-To offer theoretical and practical training to under- and post-graduate students, as well as to PhD candidates and post-doctoral researchers, in the broader area of applied aiopiculture. Special emphasis is given to bee biology and behavior, innovating apicultural techniques, prevention and treatment of bee enemies and diseases using non-conventional methods and mitigating the effects of climate change on apiculture in Greece.
-Expansion and intensification of research in applied apiculture on matters of special interest regarding the conditions and problems of the sector in Greece.
-Promoting interdisciplinary scientific cooperation in applied apiculture aiming at developing innovative bee products for human health purposes. Furthermore, interdisciplinary efforts may involve matters of remote sensing, bioacoustics, meteorology, telecommunications etc.
-Drawing up, developing and assessing educational programs and relevant material within the context of the LAA operational activities.
-Configuration of training programs and designing of research projects.
-Cooperation with the personnel of the Animal Science Department and with the personnel of other Departments of the University of Thessally, and of any other academic department of higher education establishments, as well as with other laboratories, institutes and research centers in Greece and abroad.
-Organisation of scientific lectures, meetings, seminars, symposiums, conferences and of any other scientific event with the participation of distinguished scientists from Greece and overseas.
-Publication locally and internationally of scientific material and of research results.
-Training, of University graduates in Agriculture, Veterinary Medicine, Animal Production and other disciplines, and of professionals in the broader area of beekeeping. Informing the general public about the tasks and function of the LAA.
-Offering services to the private sector and to all types of legal entities.
Laboratory of Applied Apiculture Director:
Alexandros Papachristoforou, Assistant Professor
Laboratory of Applied Apiculture Staff:
Vasiliki Peristeri, Extension Lecturer
Vaia Stylopoulou, Special Technical Laboratory Staff
