What does IBRA do?
The International Bee Research Association (IBRA) promotes the value of bees by providing information on bee science and beekeeping worldwide.
Listen to interviews with IBRA editors and trustees explaining what IBRA does in Episode 12 of “Two Bees in a Podcast“.
IBRA is internationally recognised as the world’s primary source and foremost provider of information on bees. Its database and information services, including journals, teaching aids and other publications, embrace all bee species whether managed by man for pollination or their
It is a unique organisation established in 1949 for the advancement of bee science and beekeeping (IBRA History). It is a UK Registered Charity No. 209222 and is a Company Limited by Guarantee Registered in England and Wales No. 463819. It is managed by a Council of trustees who come from many countries and is run by a small team.
IBRA has one of the largest databases of scientific information on bees and

IBRA produces a range of sources of information about bees for bee scientists, beekeepers and the general public:
- Journal of Apicultural Research – Our award winning referred scientific journal
- Bee World – Our poplar journal that links beekeeping science and practice
- Books – covering all aspects of bee science, history, and beekeeping
- Leaflets and cards – providing information in a practical format.
- IBRA membership – is open to all individuals.
- Information about the BeeWorld project and the IBRA Education Pack.
- The IBRA / Eva Crane Library collection – one of the largest collections of books and journals in the world, covering all aspects of apiculture is now in the care of the National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth.
- The IBRA / Eva Crane collection of historical artefacts is on display at the Bijenteeltmuseum at Kalmthout, Belgium.
- The IBRA register of bee boles and other beekeeping structures may be found here
If you are interested in publishing a bee-related book, then please do not hesitate to contact us.
We supply information to beekeepers, scientists, researchers, extension workers, schools and organisations around the world.
We attend and support conferences and bee conventions around the world. This provides an opportunity to distribute information and to meet our members.
If you would like to become a member please click Join IBRA.