BOMBUSS (Building Our Methods By Using Sound Science) will address
standardization in methods for bumble bee research. It will be a
workshop-based conference covering many aspects of bumble bee biology,
ecology, pathology, genetics, as well as methods for rearing, sampling,
and using microcolonies. We are aiming for an intimate group of around
100 attendees who will be able to directly participate in workgroups
and build collaborations that can continue after the meeting.
We are also offering student scholarships to fund five students to
attend and participate in the meeting. The registration site should go
live early next week.
The goal of the BOMBUSS conference is to develop a sound approach to
methodology and maximize productivity in the field of bumble bee
research. This three-day conference will address specific topics
relevant to current questions, such as laboratory rearing, field
sampling, genomics, nutrition, ecology, and pathology. Each topical
session will be headed by invited speakers who are the leading experts
in the field, and will include presentations from participants,
discussion panels, and hands-on workshops. An additional symposium will
feature five student speakers who show outstanding promise in the field
and are the recipients of competitive student awards to attend the
conference. We anticipate that BOMBUSS will yield increased
collaboration among bumble bee researchers, more refined methodological
approaches, and clarification of research questions.
Conference Details
The conference will be hosted by the USDA-Agricultural Research Service-
Pollinating Insect Research Unit in Logan, Utah, USA, from 20–23 August.
The conference is organized by researchers from USDA-ARS, University of
California- Davis, and University of California-
Riverside. Participation is limited to 100 attendees to foster an
environment of collaboration and discussion. Registration will begin in
April.
The request for student proposals and the registration website will be
released soon. Keep an eye out!
If you have questions, please contact Amber Tripodi at
amber.trip...@ars.usda.gov.
Request for Proposals:
Student Scholarship to Attend the BOMBUSS Conference, 2017
Application Deadline May 15, 2017. Notifications will be sent out by
July 15, 2017.
Application Criteria
Scholarships to attend the BOMBUSS conference will be awarded to five
students who can demonstrate progressive approaches to the study of any
aspect of bumble bee research. Recipients will be expected to
participate in the entire conference as well as deliver an oral
presentation of their work during the conference. This presentation
should emphasize novel methods, approaches, or perspectives on
furthering or standardizing the field of bumble bee science. Proposals
will be judged by the BOMBUSS planning committee on their scientific merits
and applicability to the goals of the BOMBUSS conference. Applicants
must be current students, but both undergraduate and graduate students
are encouraged to apply.
Application Requirements Please submit all materials in pdf form to
amber.trip...@ars.usda.gov by midnight on May 15, 2017.
Title and abstract of the proposed oral presentation
Curriculum vitae
Letter indicating interest and including contact information for an
individual who can serveas a supporting reference (e.g., adviser or
research collaborator)
Award Details
Scholarship recipients will be invited speakers at the BOMBUSS
conference, and the following expenses will additionally be provided:
Conference registration fees
Up to $500 toward airfare to travel to and from the meeting in Logan, Utah
Lodging in Logan, Utah for the duration of the meeting
Meals for the duration of the meeting
BOMBUSS Scholarship Contact
If you have questions about the scholarship, please contact Amber
Tripodi at amber.trip...@ars.usda.gov.
The Conference Organizers:
Amber Tripodi (USDA-ARS)
amber.trip...@ars.usda.gov
Hollis Woodard (UC Riverside)
hollis.wood...@ucr.edu
Neal Williams (UC Davis)
nmwilli...@ucdavis.edu
Jamie Strange (USDA-ARS)
james.stra...@ars.usda.gov
