Eva Crane

Eva crane

Eva Crane (12 June 1912 – 6 September 2007) was a British scientist, known for her extensive research on beekeeping and the history of honey. Born as Ethel Eva Widdowson in London, she initially pursued a career in nuclear physics, earning a PhD in the subject from the University of London in 1938. However, her interest shifted to bees and beekeeping after receiving a beehive as a wedding gift in 1942.

Early Life and Education

Eva Crane was born in London, England. She attended King's College London, where she studied mathematics and quantum mechanics. She later completed her doctoral studies in nuclear physics at the University of London.

Career in Beekeeping

Crane's interest in beekeeping began during World War II when she received a beehive as a wedding present. This gift sparked a lifelong passion for the study of bees. She founded the International Bee Research Association (IBRA) in 1949 and served as its director until 1984. Under her leadership, the IBRA became a leading organization in the field of bee research.

Research and Publications

Eva Crane authored over 180 papers and several books on bees and beekeeping. Her notable works include:

• Bees and Beekeeping: Science, Practice and World Resources (1990)
• The World History of Beekeeping and Honey Hunting (1999)

Her research covered various aspects of beekeeping, including the behavior, ecology, and history of bees. She traveled to over 60 countries to study different beekeeping practices and bee species.

Legacy

Eva Crane's contributions to the field of beekeeping have been widely recognized. She received numerous awards and honors, including the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1986 for her services to beekeeping. Her extensive collection of books, papers, and research materials is housed at the National Library of Wales.

Related Pages

• Beekeeping
• Honey
• International Bee Research Association
• Order of the British Empire
• University of London
• King's College London