Welcome to the Osborne Lab website, based at the Environment and Sustainability Institute at the University of Exeter.
Our group broadly studies the behaviour and ecology of bees and other pollinators, often combining computer simulations with experimental work, both in the lab and in the field.
Our work is diverse, and frequently involves collaboration with beekeepers, conservation organisations, farmers and industry.
Professor Juliet Osborne Chair in Applied Ecology
My research looks at how insects and plants interact within the environment, and their role in the provision of ecosystem services. My work includes the study of pollination and pest regulation in crops. View my publications
Dr Peter Kennedy Research Fellow
My research looks at ecosystem service provision by insects, particularly pollinator ecology and behaviour.
I work to establish techniques and capabilities for cutting-edge research into the effects of environmental change on invertebrates. View my publications
Dr Matthias Becher Associate Research Fellow 
I am interested in colony organisation and division of labour in social bees. I combine experimental work with computer simulations to better understand the complex processes within a colony and its interactions with the environment. View my publications
Dr Ros Shaw Associate Research Fellow
My research investigates the impact of invertebrate biodiversity on crop production via the processes of pollination and pest regulation. I am particularly interested in interactions between plants and invertebrates. View my publications
Dr Emma Pilgrim Daphne Jackson Research Fellow
I am an ecologist with an interest in alternative methods of food production. Through my BBSRC sponsored Daphne Jackson Fellowship, I am looking at the impact of Forest Gardens in the UK. These multi-layered agroforestry systems originate from the tropics.View my publications
Dr Grace Twiston-Davies Associate Research Fellow
I am interested in the ecology of plants, insects and landscapes and research that that can inform conservation, policy and land management. I am especially passionate about research that aims to make the most of our landscapes for nature and for people. I have previously studied the landscape-scale wild flower meadow restoration at the Stonehenge World Heritage Site and the benefits of agi-environment schemes for biodiversity. View my publications
Jack Rumkee PhD Student
My PhD is focusing on the risk assessment of pesticides on the honeybee. This will be attempted by creating a computer model of pesticides in the landscape to act as part of a larger honeybee model, BEEHAVE, developed by Dr Matthias Becher.
Jess Knapp PhD Student
My PhD will investigate the effectiveness and abundance of pollinators (using courgettes as a model species), to determine whether pollination is limiting to crop quality or quantity and if so, under what conditions. I hope to use this information to explore ways of improving pollination within crop systems.
Beth Roberts PhD Student
My research experience includes looking at the pollinator diversity and abundance in hedgerows and ditches surrounding agricultural fields. I am interested in looking at ways in which we can enhance our anthropogenic environment to support and increase wildlife.