Revolutionary Research at Athlone TUS Campus Aims to Revitalize Ireland's Bee Population
A groundbreaking study conducted at the Athlone TUS campus is set to play a pivotal role in addressing the decline of Ireland's bee species. Led by PhD candidate Jack Eakins, the innovative doctorate project focuses on developing sterilization technology to combat complex diseases affecting native bees. Professor Neil Rowan, the lead supervisor, has termed the project "a world first" in contributing to the protection of bees facing threats from diseases, lack of food, and loss of habitats.
EPA-Coordinated Initiative Tackles Bee Decline
In collaboration with Maynooth University, the doctorate project received co-funding from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It explores a novel approach to treating honey bee-gathered pollen, specifically for the nourishment of commercial bumble bees integral to the pollination industry. The research gains significance as over half of Ireland's bee species have witnessed significant declines since 1980, with 42 species experiencing a decline of over 50%, as per data from the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan.
Sterilization Technology for Enhanced Pollination and Food Security
Jack Eakins' research delves into the intelligent application of sterilization technology from the medical device sector to address challenges in pollination and food security. Published in the esteemed 'Science of the Total Environment' journal, the study highlights the use of electron-beam technology in collaboration with STERIS Advances Sterilization Technologies in Tullamore. Eakins underscores the collaborative nature of the research, emphasizing the co-creation of ideas across multiple stakeholders to achieve impactful outcomes while considering future sustainability needs and environmental well-being.
Academic Accolades and Future Prospects
Dr. Cormac O'Shea, Head of the Department of Bioveterinary and Microbial Sciences at TUS, lauded the project as a remarkable achievement. He highlighted its unique blend of disruptive innovation with excellence in applied sciences, paving the way for tremendous future opportunities at the Centre of Sustainable Disinfection and Sterilization at TUS, under the guidance of Professor Rowan. Dr. Liam Brown, Vice-President Research, Development, and Innovation at TUS, expressed gratitude to the EPA for co-funding the research project. This initiative aligns seamlessly with the core tenets of the new TUS Strategic Plan 2023-2027, focusing on unlocking opportunities through innovation linked to education.
#BeeConservation, #ResearchInnovation, #SterilizationTechnology, #EnvironmentalProtection
