Bee Program

Welcome Dr. Jamie Ellis

Dr. Jamie Ellis will be joining the UGA Bee Lab as the new Program Director on June 1, 2026. Beekeepers across the state have expressed overwhelming support and enthusiasm for Jamie’s return to UGA and to Georgia. His experience, leadership, and dedication to honey bee research, education, and outreach make him an exceptional fit for this role, and the Bee Lab is incredibly fortunate to have someone of his caliber leading the program. The URL below offers insight into Jamie’s extensive accomplishments and why so many in the beekeeping community are excited to welcome him back to Georgia.

A beekeeper’s homecoming: Renowned honey bee scientist Jamie Ellis returns to lead UGA Bee Program

Updates from the Bee Lab

We are working to address sustainable bee health management, bee pollination and bee foraging ecology.

Bee Program News

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Bees Archives | CAES Field Report

Posted by Maria Lameiras on Apr 30, 2026

A beekeeper’s homecoming: Renowned honey bee scientist Jamie Ellis returns to lead UGA Bee Program

Georgia Department of Agriculture News

Yellow-Legged Hornet

The yellow-legged hornet poses a threat to honeybees and other pollinators in our state. These pollinators play a significant role in Georgia's agriculture industry, the state's main economic driver, and it is imperative that these invasive pests are tracked and eradicated. Learn more about the yellow-legged hornet and how to report sightings.

Our research addresses sustainable bee health management issues as well as more basic questions on bee pollination and foraging ecology. The UGA Bee Program aims to develop research, teaching and extension initiatives that are locally responsive while globally relevant.

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UGA Bee Lab Plant Sale 2025

Coming in Spring 2025, the plants being sold have been carefully selected to attract a variety of pollinators as well as other beneficial insects to your yard.

Great Southeast Pollinator Census

The Great Southeast Pollinator Census is a citizen science project created by the University of Georgia. This project is designed for everyone to participate and make a difference for pollinator conservation!

Welsh Honey Judge

Since 2001, we have offered training and certification for honey show judges in the time-honored tradition of the Welsh system from the United Kingdom. The Welsh training is the most stringent of its kind in the world for aspiring honey judges.

Support the UGA Bee Program

We are working to address sustainable bee health management, bee pollination and bee foraging ecology. Donate today to support our research and outreach efforts.

Ways to give

Research, teaching and outreach

Bee Program News