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Urgent action is needed to help the world’s bees. Driven by climate change, disease and intensive farming, many species are in decline and some are at the brink of extinction.

Pollinators, such as bees, help the production of more than 75% of global food crops including apples, strawberries, coffee and cocoa. Their loss would cause a global food crisis.

At the University of Reading, world-renowned bee expert, Professor Simon Potts, is determined to save them with his innovative research and highlight their crucial role in the global food chain.

Simon works with scientists, farmers and the United Nations to find new ways to protect bees and prevent further decline.

Reading is considered one of the leading centres for expertise and research into pollinators. Simon and his team advise governments, businesses and charities all over the world and support campaigns, exhibitions and activities. They aim to inspire everyone to play their part in helping to save the world’s bees.

Simon and his academic colleagues in the School of Agriculture Policy & Development are on a crusade to educate and engage the nation. They organise regular public events and cross-campus collaborations to galvanise support for and raise awareness of the scale of this threat.

Teaching staff on specific courses or modules and specific areas of research may be subject to change.
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The natural world is wonderful and beautiful, but it’s also a crucial resource for human prosperity. With some vital pollinators seeing dramatic declines, and the knock-on effects this has for many food crops, we must take action. It’s important to save our pollinators to preserve nature and provide secure resources for future generations. Raising awareness and making fundamental changes is key to their survival.

Professor Simon Potts, School of Agriculture, Policy & Development
University of Reading