Ihsan Abu Alrub

Dr Anderson is an international bee scientist, best known for discovering and naming the Varroa Mite (Varroa destructor), the most serious pest of honey bees globally. With a PhD from the Australian National University, Dr Anderson has spent the past nine years working to improve the beekeeping sector of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), under the auspice of the Abu Dhabi Agriculture & Food Safety Authority. During his tenure, Dr Anderson has put UAE beekeeping on a more scientific and sustainable footing, and overseen the development of the ‘Emirati Bee’, a line of honey bee that is well adapted to the harsh conditions of the UAE.

Dr Abu Alrub is an experienced agricultural researcher, who has led numerous research initiatives at the Abu Dhabi Agriculture and Food Safety Authority in the UAE. Prior to her work in Abu Dhabi, she served as the Director of Field Crops at the Palestinian Ministry of Agriculture. With a PhD in Crop Science from the University of Copenhagen, Dr Abu Alrub’s research and academic journey underscore her profound interest in genetic diversities inherent in landrace plants. Broadening her scholarly pursuits into the apiculture domain and the world of honey bees, Dr Abu Alrub has notably played a monumental role in advancing honey bee breeding programs and enhancing the sustainability practices of beekeeping in the UAE.