Journal of Plant Science and Biotechnology

Dr. Nimmi Seoraj-Pillai is a transformative leader who architects systems where profit, planet, and policy converge. As the Head of Department for Nature Conservation at the Tshwane University of Technology, she brings over two decades of barrier-transcending leadership to the forefront of sustainability and ESG integration. A certified Professional Natural Scientist, Dr. Seoraj-Pillai is renowned for her work in mitigating human-wildlife conflict and founding the influential One Health Transdisciplinary Unit. Her ability to translate complex scientific research into actionable, investible solutions has mobilised significant funding and shaped national policy. Dr. Seoraj-Pillai is currently furthering her impact as an MBA candidate and a 2025 African Research Funding Accelerator fellow. Dr. Nimmi Seoraj-Pillai’s research explores the critical interface between botany, biodiversity, and biotechnology. Her work integrates ethnobotanical insights with modern applications, such as developing plant-based solutions for tick control and managing invasive alien plant species. She employs a transdisciplinary framework, blending Indigenous Knowledge Systems with ecological models to address food security and climate resilience. This approach positions plant science at the core of developing sustainable, biotechnological innovations for ecosystem health and agricultural sustainability.

• biodiversity
• botany

1.  Founder of the One Health Transdisciplinary Unit (OHTCU) – merging conservation, livelihoods, and public health

2.  Member, South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP)

3.  Member, Parasitology Society of Southern Africa

4.  Member, Golden Key International Honour Society

5.  Co-organiser of international research conferences (e.g., TUT-UNAM 10th SANUMARC 2025)

6.  Panelist & Keynote Speaker at multiple international conferences and leadership forums

7.  Bid Specification Committee Member, TUT Governance & Risk Management Projects

8.  Mentor & Supervisor of Postdoctoral Fellows and Postgraduate Students 

1.  Seoraj-Pillai, N. & Pillay, N. (2017). A meta-analysis of human-wildlife conflict: South African and global perspectives. Sustainability, 9, 34. (154+ citations)

2.  Pretorius, M.E., Seoraj-Pillai, N., Pillay, N. (2019). Landscape correlates of space use in African wild dog. PLoS ONE, 14(3).

3.  Multiple 2024–2025 publications on tick-borne diseases, zoonotic ectoparasites, biodiversity, and invasive species in journals like Veterinary Sciences, Sustainability, Biology, Diversity, Animals, Plants.

4.  Book Contributions: Children’s Story Books – Tiko the Brave Little Tick (2025), Nandi and the Snail Patrol (2025).

5.  Over 20 peer-reviewed articles + numerous conference proceedings (IUCN SSC, PARSA, SANUMARC, etc.).