Researchers

Become Part of the Global Mānuka Honey Research Network

Global interest in bioactive properties of New Zealand's unique mānuka honey has led to an active and growing research community that stretches across USA, Europe, UK, Asia, the Middle East and more.

In 2025, the world’s only mānuka honey industry organisation is leading the way to connect researchers around the world and progress our understanding of the benefits of genuine, monofloral mānuka honey for people everywhere.

Join our Research Network

Subscribe here to receive a free summary of leading current areas of research and associated publications.

Announcement

Manuka Honey Research Unit Up and Running in the Home of Mānuka Honey

In May 2025, Dr. Megan Grainger of the University of Waikato (Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato) announced the formation of the Mānuka Honey Research unit to help co-ordinate, accelerate and expand research into mānuka honey in partnership with experts in New Zealand and globally.

The University of Waikato is the home of mānuka honey with a history of more than 40 years of research from the founder of mānuka honey health research Dr. Peter Molan to Professor Merilyn Manley-Harris, and tree expert Associate Professor Mike Clearwater.

Research Opportunities

Contact UMF Honey Association for Free Samples

We want to help researchers to access mānuka honey that is rated UMF™ 5+ or more. This is the minimum rating for meaningful bioactivity in this complex honey.

If you are interested in us supplying you with quality samples for your research, please email research@umf.org.nz and let us know what you are looking for and your intended research.

Feel free to let us know if you are interested in discussing future research direction or opportunities.

Educational Resources

Handout

Quick Start Your Knowledge of the UMF™ Quality System and Rating

For 25 years the Unique Mānuka Factor Honey Association has been independently testing and certifying the purity, potency, authenticity and quality of New Zealand mānuka honey.

Ensuring customers and consumers around the world can trust they’re buying the best product from our 150 members to support their health and wellness needs.

Download Handout

Know the Research Field

After 40 years of research the body of research into mānuka honey is extensive stretching to 1,000+ papers. We have pulled together some of the most influential and important papers and an overview of what is researchers find most interesting to help those new to the field familiarise themselves with work to date.

Online Mini Course

Become a Mānuka Master: Mānuka Mastery

Take a deep dive into one of the world’s most exciting natural health foods. This short (free) online course, guides you through the unique origins of mānuka honey, the discovery of its modern health applications, and the development of testing and the extensive systems in place to maintain its quality for consumers in 60+ countries.

– Each video learning module is followed by a short list of questions to test your knowledge.
– After completing 8 modules (1 per week), a final quiz is the final module to earn a certificate as a “UMF™ Mānuka Honey Specialist.” Now you’re ready to share your knowledge of mānuka honey.

Take the Free Online Mini Course

Today’s Dietitian Feature

What are Nutrition Professionals Saying About Manuka Honey?

Toby Amidor, MS, RD, CDN, FAND breaks down why mānuka honey is such a compelling natural health food in this column in Today’s Dietician.

Read the full article

Podcast Episode

Meet Dr. Grainger, Listen & Learn

Hosted by Registered Dietitian, Melissa Joy Dobbins, MS, RDN, CDCES, SoundBites® Episode 281 (February 19, 2025) is about the health benefits of UMF™ authentic mānuka honey with interviews of the New Zealand experts:

– Dr. Megan Grainger, PhD, Researcher
– James Jeffery, Bekeeper

New Zealand mānuka honey is a powerful functional food. For centuries, the unique and powerful healing properties of the mānuka tree (Leptospermum scoparium) have been understood by the indigenous Māori people of New Zealand.

With more than 2,300+ natural compounds identified in New Zealand mānuka honey it has captured the attention of scientists and health professionals across the globe. Research has identified mānuka honey’s Unique Mānuka Factor (UMF™), a unique group of bioactive compounds, such as methylglyoxal (MGO) and leptosperin, which in synergy contribute to its science-supported antibacterial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Listen to the Podcast

UMF™ Health Research Database

For decades, scientists worldwide have been uncovering the unique compounds and mechanisms that make genuine New Zealand Mānuka honey truly exceptional. We’ve compiled the resources in one place.

Browse the research

Search our extensive Research Database

Decades of research have culminated to identify the unique signature compounds found in genuine New Zealand Mānuka Honey.