Alison Ruth Mercer ONZM (born 1954) is a New Zealand zoologist based at the University of Otago,[1] with a particular interest in the brain physiology of bees.

[6] Her research interests span from understanding the brain[7][8] and behaviour of honey bees, development genetics, as well as learning and memory.

[9][10][11] She has repeatedly made headlines in the popular press with her studies of the effects of chemicals on bees.

[15] She has also published on the varroa mite a problematic parasite of honeybees.

[16][17] In the 2008 Queen's Birthday Honours, Mercer was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to science.