Brett Hurley is a professor at the Department of Zoology and Entomology and the Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute at the University of Pretoria, South Africa. His research focuses on insect pests of plantation forest trees, examining the effect of these interactions and how these effects can be managed in the context of an integrated pest management program. His three main research areas are biological control and management of forest insect pests, spread of invasive forest insects, and other aspects of the biology and ecology of forest insect pests. Simon Lawson is an associate professor in Forest Health at the Forest Research Institute, University of the Sunshine Coast, Australia. His research focus is in developing effective, sustainable management methods for insect pests of forests, with an emphasis on biological control and chemical ecology methods. He also has a strong interest in forest biosecurity, especially in international collaborations that promote forest protection globally. Bernard Slippers is the director of the Forestry and Agricultural Biotechnology Institute (FABI) and Innovation Africa @UP. He is a professor in the Department of Biochemistry, Genetics and Microbiology.

Bernard studies interactions between organisms in a changing global context. He uses molecular, chemical and sensor technologies to develop precision pest management tools for insects and microorganisms that affect plant health.