Invited Speakers

Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt – Apitherapy
Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt, MD, PhD, is an internationally recognized physician specializing in biological medicine and the treatment of chronic illnesses. He is the founder and Medical Director of the Sophia Health Institute in Washington, USA, and the Institute of Neurobiology Klinghardt in Germany. His innovative approaches integrate immunology, endocrinology, toxicology, and neural therapy to address complex conditions such as neurological diseases, chronic pain, Lyme disease, and autism.

Prof. Dr. Lars Chittka – Bee Biology
Professor Lars Chittka is a leading researcher in sensory physiology, learning psychology, and evolutionary ecology. Based at Queen Mary University of London, he explores how pollinators perceive and interact with their environment, particularly focusing on insect vision, cognition, and behavior. His work has revealed groundbreaking insights into bee navigation, memory, and communication. By studying pollinator-plant interactions, he has deepened our understanding of how bees learn, adapt, and influence ecosystems.

Dr. Fanny Mondet – Bee Health
Dr. Fanny Mondet is a leading researcher in honey bee biology, specializing in the interaction between bees and the Varroa destructor mite—one of the most significant threats to global beekeeping. Based at INRAE (the French National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food, and Environment) in the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur region of France, her research focuses on bee health, pest resistance, and sustainable apiculture practices. Her work is instrumental in developing strategies to mitigate the impact of Varroa on honey bee populations.

Prof. Dr. Stephan Schwarzinger – Beekeeping Economy
Prof. Dr. Stephan Schwarzinger is the managing director of the North Bavarian NMR Centre at the University of Bayreuth and leads the CSI-Food Bayreuth research group. His work focuses on food authenticity and quality, with a particular emphasis on detecting economically motivated food fraud, including honey adulteration. By developing advanced analytical methods, he aims to safeguard consumers and ensure integrity throughout the food value chain, from producers to retailers.

Mmabatho Portia Morudi – Beekeeping for Rural Development
Mmabatho Portia Morudi is the co-founder and Sustainability Director of Local Village Africa, a social enterprise dedicated to sustainable food production. A beekeeper and entrepreneur, she holds a degree in Health and Social Sciences and has been recognized as a Brightest Young Mind in South Africa. Inspired by her grandfather, Mmabatho began her journey in beekeeping to address local economic development and food security. Today, her venture, The Village Market SA, has grown into a thriving enterprise promoting sustainability and community empowerment.

Brigitte Misonne – Beekeeping Technology and Quality
Brigitte Misonne is the Head of Unit for Animal Products at the Directorate-General for Agriculture and Rural Development (DG AGRI) of the European Commission. She oversees market analysis, policy development, and regulatory updates for animal products, including honey. She chairs the EU Honey Platform, a forum dedicated to honey authenticity and traceability, and has played a key role in strengthening EU regulations on honey quality and origin labeling. With a background in commerce and finance, Brigitte has decades of experience shaping agricultural policies at the European level.

Prof. Dr. Ingolf Steffan-Dewenter – Pollination and Bee Flora
Prof. Dr. Ingolf Steffan-Dewenter is a leading researcher in landscape ecology and pollinator conservation. He is the Head of the Department of Animal Ecology and Tropical Biology at Würzburg University, Germany. With a background in beekeeping and a PhD in bee ecology, his research explores the impact of land use on pollinators, honey bee colony performance, and winter survival. His work provides critical insights into how environmental changes influence bee populations and pollination services.

Lotta Fabricius Kristiansen – Bridging Research and Practice
Lotta Fabricius Kristiansen is a researcher at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences (SLU), specializing in knowledge and innovation systems, capacity building, and sustainable landscapes. Her work focuses on beekeeping, pollinators, and pollination services. She co-chairs the COLOSS Honey Bee Research Association’s Bridging Research and Practice (B-RAP) working group and has been an organic beekeeper since the late 1990s. Beyond research, Lotta has authored beekeeping books, co-founded the Pollinate Sweden network, and led development projects supporting beekeeping in Asia.

Amy Vu – Bridging Research and Practice
Amy Vu is the State Specialized Extension Agent at the University of Florida’s Honey Bee Research and Extension Laboratory. A beekeeper since 2014, she serves as a vital link between researchers, regulatory bodies, and beekeepers. Amy oversees the UF Master Beekeeper Program, UF Bee Colleges, and the lab’s public engagement efforts, including co-hosting “Two Bees in a Podcast.” Her work focuses on improving apiculture through best management practices, entrepreneurship training, and educator development, making her a trusted resource for beekeepers worldwide.