Dr Hannelie Human

As an experienced Researcher with a C2 rating from the NRF and a pollination specialist, my research includes the field of pollinator identification, pollination efficiency and ecology, floral biology and ecology, nectar chemistry, biochemistry and the effect of neonicotinoid pesticides on honeybee physiology, behaviour and nutrition. My research aims to increase our understanding of factors that may contribute to the losses of honeybee colonies in South Africa. More specifically the effect of nutrition, pesticides, pathogens and parasites which, when interlinked, adversely affect both honeybee health and plant-pollinator interactions. I have 18 years of beekeeping experience, co-supervised PhD, master’s and honours’ students. My publications include 29 peer-reviewed articles, 25+ popular articles and four book chapters.

I am a member of the CoLOSS network (Prevention of honey bee COlony LOSSes) an international, non-profit association headquartered in Bern, Switzerland that is focussed on improving the well-being of bees at a global level. At the local level I am registered with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions and is involved with various key role players and stakeholders in the beekeeping industry in South Africa. Furthermore, I am a board member of the South African Bee Industry Organisation (SABIO) and serve on the editorial board of the South African Bee Journal.

I am collaborating with United Exports and Ozblu blueberry genetics and cooperate with the South African Macadamia Industry (SAMAC).