Few people embody the spirit of scientific curiosity and practical beekeeping as completely as Norman Carreck. From his first encounter with bees at the age of fifteen, Norman’s fascination became a lifelong vocation – one that has shaped the way we understand, protect and work with these remarkable insects.
After studying Agricultural Science at Nottingham University, Norman embarked on a professional journey that seamlessly blended hands-on apiary management with groundbreaking research. As an official beekeeper, he maintained around eighty colonies of honey bees, gaining first-hand insight into the complex relationships between bees, forage, and the wider environment. His early work explored pollination ecology, bee behaviour, and bee pathology, all themes that would define his career.
Since 2008, Norman has been a key figure at the University of Sussex, where his research has focused on two of the most pressing issues in modern apiculture: bee breeding and the impact of pesticides on bees. His studies have helped bridge the gap between laboratory science and field experience, offering evidence-based clarity on subjects often clouded by speculation or conflicting information.
Beyond the apiary and laboratory, Norman’s influence extends across the beekeeping and scientific communities. He serves as Science Director of the International Bee Research Association (IBRA) and has long been the Senior Editor of the Journal of Apicultural Research, a publication central to global bee science. His contributions ensure that complex research is communicated clearly and accessibly, supporting both scientists and beekeepers worldwide.
Norman’s expertise is widely recognised. He holds the National Diploma in Beekeeping, one of the highest professional qualifications in the field, and is a Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society and the Royal Society of Biology. His role on the Bee Health Advisory Forum for DEFRA’s Healthy Bees Plan underscores his commitment to improving bee health policy in the UK. On the international stage, he represents the UK on the Executive Committee of COLOSS, the global honey bee research network dedicated to understanding and mitigating colony losses.
When he is not immersed in research or policy, Norman continues to share his deep knowledge through the written word. Alongside Andrea Quigley, he co-edits The Beekeepers Quarterly – an international English-language journal published by Northern Bee Books since 1984. This full-colour A4 magazine, with over sixty pages in each issue, is a rich blend of news, views, and research, appealing to both amateur and professional beekeepers alike. Under their editorial guidance, it has become one of the most respected voices in global apiculture.
Through decades of dedication, Norman Carreck has woven together science, stewardship, and storytelling. His work reminds us that the health of honey bees – and the knowledge of those who care for them – are inseparable threads in the fabric of a sustainable future.