Dr Nural Cokcetin is a microbiologist based at the University of Sydney. Her research interest is in understanding the relationship between bees, the environment and medicinal honey with the aim of supporting the apiary industry, pollination, and human health. Nural leads research on the bioactive properties of honey, specifically into its use as a topical treatment for infections caused by antibiotic resistant superbugs and as a prebiotic food to promote a healthy gut microbiome. She works closely with the Australian beekeeping and wider agricultural industries to ensure her research leads to improved health outcomes and other benefits for society and industry.
Nural is equally passionate about doing research that drives positive changes as she is about communicating her research as broadly as possible. She is a frequent public speaker on topics around medicinal honey, bees, gut health and antibiotic resistance. Nural has received many awards for her research excellence and impact, as well as her dedication to the promotion of science. She was named the best young science communicator in Australia and the international runner-up in the FameLab science communication competition and one of the TEDxSydney Top Five Young Change-Makers. She appears regularly in the media as a thought leader in her research areas.
Although not that kind of doctor, Nural is often heard dishing out her favourite bit of advice “have you tried putting honey on that?”