RESEARCH ACTIVITIES

Research is the core activity of Kew’s Science staff, based on three strategic priorities: documenting and researching global plant and fungal diversity and its uses for humanity, curating and providing data-rich evidence from our unrivalled collections, and disseminating our scientific knowledge of plants and fungi to maximise its impact in science, education, conservation policy and management. All Kew research depends on collaboration with a very extensive network of partner institutions worldwide, with a strong emphasis on benefit-sharing and joint decision-making. 

Kew is now taking an equally strategic approach to research in the arts and humanities, initiating and running projects in these fields. Successful projects and PhD theses are usually aligned with Kew’s collections and science research, for example by giving new insights into Kew’s present work, reanalysing collections from new perspectives, or applying historical insights to today’s issues. Research takes many formats, with potential outputs in the digital humanities, artistic practice and public engagement, as well as in traditional printed formats.

The starting point for research collaborations is a conversation with Kew staff. Initial contact details are given on the links page.