Australia is home to 11 species of native stingless bees belonging to two genera, Tetragonula and Austroplebeia. These bees incorporate plant resins and beeswax to produce propolis, a multifunctional material used for nest construction, defence against predators, and protection from bee pathogens. In addition to honey, stingless bee propolis has long been valued in Indigenous and local knowledge systems across tropical regions where they have been used to support wound healing, manage infections, and promote wellbeing.

In recent decades, modern scientific research has provided evidence supporting many of these traditional applications, demonstrating that propolis exhibits a broad range of biological activities including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antidiabetic, and hepatoprotective and neuroprotective effects. Interests in propolis chemistry and pharmacology have increased substantially, resulting in a global market in 2024 valued at approximately US$1 billion for propolis derived from honeybees Apis mellifera. In contrast, stingless bee propolis remains largely undeveloped commercially, and research to date has focused predominantly on South American and Southeast Asian species. Australian stingless bee propolis remains comparatively understudied with limited understanding of its chemical diversity and biological properties.

Through comprehensive chemical analyses and bioassay-based evaluations of hundreds of propolis samples collected over the past eight years, the chemical diversity and biological activities of Australian propolis have progressively been revealed. Several high-quality propolis types have been identified, reflecting the diversity of endemic flora and the selective resin-foraging behaviours of stingless bees. These findings suggest potential opportunities for the responsible and sustainable development of Australian stingless bee propolis for food and health-related applications, which may provide supplementary income for Australian beekeepers. Importantly, this research also supports the conservation and sustainability of native stingless bee species and advances the exploration of the therapeutic potential of native plants that serve as resin sources for propolis production. This presentation will highlight emerging insights into the chemistry, biological activities, and potential applications of Australian stingless bee propolis.