timulated by increasing recognition of the importance of insect pollination in maintaining yields of some
crops, coupled with evidence that many species of pollinating insects have declined substantially. In particular,
the impact of agronomic practice on pollinator success and, specifically, the impact of pesticide use on honey
bees and other bees, has become a subject of public and political interest. The 2013 EU decision to suspend
the use of a number of neonicotinoid insecticides has boosted research on pollinator exposure to insecticides
and the potential for sublethal effects. Furthermore, whilst the importance of pollinators in agriculture is well
documented, considerable gaps still exist in our understanding of pollinator ecology, pathology and population
dynamics. This conference aims to bring together experts from a number of fields to explore and debate the
latest research.