An overview of research at RBGE

At RBGE there is a vibrant and diverse community of scientists and practitioners, postdoctoral researchers, PhD students, academic visitors, technicians and professional services staff across a range of biodiversity sciences from fundamental taxonomy to evolutionary biology and applied conservation. Together they deliver a demanding range of research and conservation programmes; through intensive fieldwork, initiatives within the Garden’s living plant collection and by drawing on the resources in our Living Collection, Herbarium and Library & Archives.

With active projects in more than 40 countries, RBGE teams have extensive, multi-decadal experience delivering research, conservation and training programmes in partnership with academic institutions, government departments, NGOs and community groups in biodiverse regions of Africa, Asia and South America. More detailed information on where we work can be found here.

Examples of just some of our project work include research projects funded by UK Research & Innovation and the Darwin Initiative. Examples of other current consortium projects are:

Biodiversity Genomics Europe funded by  the European Commission’s Horizon Europe programme which aims to accelerate the use of genomic science to enhance understanding of biodiversity, monitor biodiversity change, and guide interventions to address its decline

The Darwin Tree of Life programme is a collaboration to produce high-quality reference genomes for all known species of animals, plants, fungi and protists in Britain and Ireland

RBGE is a key institution within the World Flora Online -  the international initiative to achieve Target 1 of the Global Strategy for Plant Conservation and provides a global overview of the diversity of plant species. It is the essential tool for conservation planners, policymakers and practitioners at all levels.

Collections & Facilities

Our four Gardens across Scotland hold a living collection of 13,750 species, an herbarium of three million specimens (representing more than half the world’s known flora, its oldest specimens dating back more than 300 years.) and a botanical library and archive that includes 70,000 books, 150,000 periodicals, and manuscripts, images and photographs relating to the history of the Gardens from 1670. Discover more on the Collections webpages.

Along with our Collections, facilities include molecular laboratories such as a next generation sequencing facility and specialised ‘ancient DNA’ lab, microscopy including scanning electron microscopy, cutting-edge bioinformatics and ICT facilities, extensive research glasshouses and a state-of-the art plant health suite. 

Networks

Along with an international network of research partners, RBGE is one of six globally renowned research institutes within the Scottish Environment, Food and Agriculture Research Institutions (SEFARI) collective, delivering the Scottish Government’s Strategic Research Portfolio 2022–2027. The Institutes work in partnership with four multi-partner policy-facing Centres of Expertise. RBGE is a foundling partner for one of these Centre’s - Scotland’s Centre for Expertise in Plant Health. The Centre brings the plants sectors for forestry, horticulture, environment, and agriculture together to co-ordinate plant health knowledge, skills, needs and activities across Scotland.

Equity 

RBGE is committed to providing a fair and equitable environment, supporting a diverse and inclusive workforce, and working equitably with partners overseas. Various policies and processes support these principles and more information can be found on our Equity & Access webpages.

Further Information

The above is a taste of the research environment and offering at RBGE. Please explore the website for further information. Any enquiries can be directed to our Science Manager, Michelle Wagner at mwagner@rbge.org.uk