The Key Laboratory of Resource Insects at Southwest University (SWU) was approved by the Ministry of Science and Technology in December 2022. It builds on the foundations of the former State Key Laboratory of Silkworm Genome Biology at SWU and the Institute of Bee Research under the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences. The laboratory addresses critical scientific and technological challenges in the transformation of the resource insect industry, particularly in sericulture and bee breeding, to advance from labor-intensive to technology-intensive development.
The laboratory focuses on three main research areas: the biological foundations of silkworms, bees, and other resource insects; system ecology and efficient protein biosynthesis; and core issues in nutrient utilization, breeding efficiency, disease prevention, and product quality evaluation. Its mission includes achieving breakthroughs in core technologies such as nutrient and protein substitution, intelligent breeding and disease control, and precision quality management. Ultimately, it aims to establish itself as a world-leading innovation center in resource insect science and technology.
The laboratory has over 220 permanent staff members, more than 400 full-time postgraduates and postdoctoral fellows, and also admits joint postgraduates and international students. It operates in 17,450 square meters of research space and manages the world’s largest silkworm genetic resource bank and the most diverse mulberry germplasm resource nursery. It also maintains more than 20 workstations and experimental bases across regions including Chongqing, Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan, Guangxi, Xinjiang, and Guangdong.
International collaboration is integral to the laboratory’s work, with partnerships established with over 30 universities and research institutes in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Canada, Australia, and Singapore. It has sent more than 50 researchers and graduate students abroad and implemented numerous international joint research projects.
More information (in Chinese): http://sklsgb.swu.edu.cn/.
