Studying the Microbiome of Honeybees: Dr. Inga Bazukyan’s Research Stay at Ghent University

(18-04-2025) As part of the Eureast Platform Visiting Fellowship Programme, the Laboratory of Microbiology at Ghent University, led by Professor Peter Vandamme, recently welcomed Dr. Inga Bazukyan for a one-month research stay.

Dr. Bazukyan is an Associate Professor at the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, Yerevan State University. Since 1999, she has led a research group dedicated to studying lactic acid bacteria (LAB), with a particular focus on their applications in food production and medicine.

Her current project explores the biotechnological potential of LAB, particularly their antagonistic activity and effects on human and animal health. “It is well known that LAB consist the main part of honeybees’ gut and play an important role in protecting their health,” Dr. Bazukyan explains. “The main goal of this project is the comparative analysis of LAB isolated from bees’ microbiota from different regions of Armenia. This project will contribute to the quality increase of honey with the application of LAB with antagonistic activity and, therefore, to create new products based on beneficial bacteria.”

To achieve this, her team is collecting honeybee samples from Yerevan, Dilijan, and Margahovit, isolating LAB from their gastrointestinal tracts, analyzing dominant bacteria using MALDI-TOF MS and whole genome sequencing, and developing new LAB mixtures to assess their impact on bee health.

Why Ghent University?

“Ghent University is widely recognized for its strong research culture, international outlook, and collaborative environment, making it an ideal destination for advanced research,” says Dr. Bazukyan. “In my opinion, Ghent University has excellent research infrastructure, it has plural laboratories, and core facilities, offering researchers access to the latest technologies and expert support, which significantly enhances the quality and impact of scientific work.”

She was particularly inspired by the work of Professor Peter Vandamme. “Mainly I sever my attention to the group of Professor Peter Vandamme, because he was the author of plural articles which I red and used as a key way for the development of my research. He was a pioneer in the investigation of bees’ gut.”

She also praised the international environment and support systems at Ghent: “Because of strong international collaboration, this university creates the possibility for researchers to be a part of global scientific networks, which opens opportunities for co-publications, joint projects, and broader dissemination of results. The well-structured doctoral school, funding opportunities and the friendliest atmosphere in Ghent University support researchers from the developing countries to grow professionally and personally. Located in the heart of Europe, Ghent offers a vibrant cultural scene, a high quality of life, and an inclusive academic atmosphere. It’s an English-friendly city with a strong international community.”

Scientific Exchange and Future Plans

During her stay , Dr. Bazukyan presented her lab’s work at a departmental seminar and held consultations with Prof. Vandamme. She also connected with members of the Department of Biochemistry and Microbiology, met with Prof. Piet Cools from the Faculty of Medicine, and engaged in discussions with the Eureast Platform's international collaboration representatives.

“During these meetings, we discussed future collaboration and potential development of scientific projects,” she noted. Professor Vandamme is now involved as a consultant on two of her projects and is expected to spend a month in Armenia, where he will teach, help prepare publications, and participate as a keynote speaker in an international conference celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Faculty of Biology.

“In the future, with Professor Vandamme's extensive experience, we may collaborate on a significant European grant,” she added.

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