Ricarda Scheiner

Prof. Dr. Ricarda Scheiner is a leading researcher at the Chair of Zoology II at the University of Würzburg, Germany. She directs the Scheiner lab, focusing on the molecular mechanisms underlying honeybee and wild bee behavior with particular emphasis on environmental stressors.

• Academic rank: Full Professor
• Department: Zoology II
• Location: Biocenter, Hubland Campus B1, Room D127

Research Focus Areas:

• Effects of pesticide combinations (fungicides/insecticides) on bee survival
• Climate adaptation mechanisms in African honeybees
• Cuticular hydrocarbon functions in communication and climate adaptation
• Neurotransmitter roles in honeybee behavior
• Innovative beekeeping practices against Varroa mites

Publication Trends (2021-2025): Recent work examines pesticide interactions, neuroecology of foraging behavior, and molecular mechanisms of social adaptation. Key methods include CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing, neurophysiological assays, and field studies across multiple continents.

Research Collaborations: Active partnerships with:

• Prof. Thomas Schmitt (JMU) - cuticular hydrocarbons
• Prof. Martin Hasselmann (University of Hohenheim) - temperature adaptation
• Prof. Ingolf Steffan-Dewenter (JMU) - land use impacts

Advising: Mentoring 5 PhD students and 2 Master students in behavioral physiology and sociobiology.

Teaching: Instructs courses in:

• Behavioral physiology
• Communication biology
• Integrative behavioral biology
• For both biology and interdisciplinary students

Research Funding: Secured grants from:

• Volkswagen Foundation
• German Research Foundation (DFG)
• Bavarian Environment Agency
• Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL/BLE)

Lab Structure: Leads a multidisciplinary team including:

• Senior scientist: Dr. Markus Thamm
• Postdocs: Dr. Katharina Beer, Dr. Orian Gilmer
• Technicians: Master beekeeper Dirk Ahrens