Julia Grassl

Dr Julia Grassl is a Research Fellow in the School of Molecular Sciences at The University of Western Australia. She leads the Honey Bee Health Research Group and serves as a Program Leader for the Cooperative Research Centre for Honey Bee Products. Her work focuses on the impacts of genetic diversity, disease, and nutrition on honey bee health, working closely with beekeepers to develop practical molecular solutions for improving colony health and productivity.

• The University of Western Australia, School of Molecular Sciences (Current)
• Cooperative Research Centre for Honey Bee Products, Program Leader (2017-2022)
• UCD Conway Institute, Postdoctoral Researcher (Previous)

Dr Grassl's research integrates molecular biology with apiculture, developing innovative approaches to detect diseases like American Foulbrood and understand nutritional requirements for honey bees. Her work has advanced knowledge of disease resistance mechanisms and the effects of supplementary feeding on colony health, with direct applications for sustainable beekeeping practices.

Her recent publications reveal a strong focus on lipidomics for assessing colony health, volatile biomarkers for non-invasive disease detection, and genetic factors influencing disease resistance. This research shows a clear trajectory toward developing practical diagnostic tools and evidence-based nutrition guidelines for beekeepers.

• School of Molecular Sciences Mid-Career Research Award (2022)
• UWA Faculty of Science - Rising Star Award (2018)
• Early Postdoctoral Fellow Travel Award to attend HUPO Congress (2010)
• Dissemination Grant for publication in PROTEOMICS (2008)
• Travel grants for proteomics conferences (2006-2008)

Dr Grassl currently supervises graduate research and leads multiple funded projects including AgriFutures Australia initiatives on honey bee nutrition and American Foulbrood diagnostics. Her research has secured substantial funding from national research bodies and industry partners, demonstrating strong translational impact for the apiculture industry.

As leader of the Honey Bee Health Research Group, she maintains extensive collaborations with beekeepers, industry stakeholders, and international researchers to address critical challenges facing honey bee populations globally. Her work directly contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals related to life on land and responsible consumption.