On October 12-13, 2023, the Centre for Bee Ecology, Evolution and Conservation (BEEc) at York University hosted the twelfth annual BeeCon, a free conference that brings together bee biologists from around the world to discuss bees, collection methods, pollination, genomics, conservation and behaviour. The two-day hybrid event welcomed researchers and community members from over 30 countries spanning six continents.

More than 30 scientists presented at BeeCon; select recordings of their presentations will be made available on the BEEc YouTube channel. Professor Kevin Matteson of the Department of Biology at Miami University presented a keynote talk entitled “Pollinator Conservation in Cities.” View the video recording of his presentation.

Amidst various threats endangering bee populations, collaboration between bee researchers and academics plays a pivotal role in safeguarding pollinators worldwide. BEEc promotes collaborative and innovative research, aiming to advance policy changes essential for the conservation and evolution of bees. By offering free attendance, BeeCon serves as a platform where researchers can disseminate advances in bee research globally and foster a positive impact for the future.

BeeCon 2023 was sponsored by the Office of the Vice President of Research and Innovation, the Faculty of Environmental and Urban Change, and the Faculty of Science.