Our Lab is part of the University of Turin (UNITO), Department of Agricultural, Forest, and Food Sciences (DISAFA). UNITO is a higher education, research-focused public institution founded in 1404, counting ~70000 students.
Our research investigates the health and behaviour of multiple bee species, such as honey bees, bumblebees, and solitary bees.
We aim at gaining a more comprehensive understanding of the complex dynamics of both individual and combined impact of multiple factors on bees, including (but not limited to) pesticides and nutrition (see: publications).
We use traditional and innovative techniques including behavioural, physiological, and modelling approaches for research, monitoring, and risk assessment purposes.

Students with the bee technician
We believe that a respectful, open-minded environment nurtures creativity, innovation, and scientific excellence.
Our Lab is committed to maintaining a safe and inclusive environment for everyone, regardless of ethnicity, race, gender identity, sexual orientation, nationality, socio-economic status, religion, physical ability, or age.

One of the experimental apiaries

Solitary bee nests
Are you considering to collaborate with us, or to join our team? Contact us!
Lab members
Simone Tosi
Assistant Professor, PI
Biologist interested in the health and behaviour of social and solitary bees, bioindicators of environmental health. Aims at better understanding the individual and interactive roles played by multiple biotic and abiotic factors on bees. Investigates how risk assessment schemes can better protect bees and the environment. Also a beekeeper.
Joined UNITO in 2021. First generation University student. He/His.

Luca Carisio
Postdoctoral researcher
Expert of pollination ecosystem services provided by bees. He studies pollination effects on production, the value of agricultural areas for supporting bees, and the impact of environmental contamination on bee health through bee biomonitoring. Interested in assessing impacts of alien species on managed and wild bees (Vespa velutina, Megachile sculpturalis). Enthusiastic R user for data analysis and visualization. Beekeeping and volley in the free time.

Giulia Molinatto
Postdoctoral researcher
Biotechnologist with a PhD in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. She focuses on honey bee immunity and pathology (viruses and Nosema spp.), molecular diagnostics for the biocontrol of insect vectors of plant pathogens, biological and genetic characterization of plant-growth-promoting rhizobacteria (Bacillus spp.).
Loves travelling, mountain hiking, and outdoor activities.

Luis Vélez Trujillo
PhD student
Graduated in Biology, with a Master's degree in Agri-Environmental and Agri-food Sciences. Investigates the role of biomarkers to describe bee health and the use of bees as environmental bioindicators. Committed to nature and agricultural entomology, aims at reducing the impact of climate change.

Claudia Roggero
Research collaborator
Graduated in Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, now studying honey and solitary bee health and behaviour. Contributes to the outreach activities of the Lab writing articles for the general public and through social media. A young beekeeper looking for harmony between beekeeping and agriculture, with the aim of raising awareness on the importance of bees in the role of pollination for the entire ecosystem.

Alberto Ossola
Master student
Alberto studies the influence of agricultural practices on pollinators health, focusing on the identification of wild bees. Passionate of entomology, with a dream: a healthier environment for all organisms. Traveller and nature lover.

Stefano Carniel
Master student
Graduated in Biology, is now attending the Master Degree in Plant Biotechnologies at the University of Turin. At the same time, works as Ecotoxicology Laboratory Technician. His thesis work focuses on the impact of multiple stressors on solitary bee health. Has always been passionate about entomology and eusocial insects. Highly interested in their environmental role and in the ecological challenges they are currently facing. Nature enthusiast, lover of good stories and hopeless nerd.

Emanuele Gallo
Master student
Graduated in Agricultural Sciences and Technologies, now attending the Master Degree in Agricultural Sciences - crop’s sustainable management. Studies the impact of pesticides and nutrition on solitary bee health and behaviou. A beekeeper interested in the role played by insects in the environment, especially social and solitary bees. Food lover, travaller and sport addicted, gamer.

Gioele Moro
Master student
Graduated in Biology, now attending the Global Change Ecology and Sustainable Development Goals master course in Bologna. Involved in a Science Outreach project, seeks to find the best way to overlap the communication gap between scientist and public. Grew up in constant contact with nature, observing plants and animals in their natural habitat. Concerned by the relationship between man and nature, looking for new ways to improve it.

Sofia Calvo
Bachelor student
Student of Communication Design at IAAD (Istituto d'Arte Applicata e Design - The Italian University for Design). As Art Director of multiple Lab activities, she coordinates the creation of a strong and functional Lab identity through an efficient visual and communication strategy. She is interested in connecting the power of creativity and communication with science.

Eleonora Raschio
Bachelor student
Near-graduate in Agrobiotechnology - Agricultural Sciences and Technologies. She collaborates to the science outreach activities of the Lab. She is passionate of pollinators and the environment and aims at enhancing the ecological transition through innovative and sustainable strategies.

Sofia Chiampo
Bachelor student
Student of Agrobiotechnology - Agricultural Science and Technology. She studies how environmental contamination impacts bee health and the environment and contributes to the development of the Lab science outreach activities. Interested in spreading awareness towards more sustainable agricultural practices and the importance of pollinating insects.
