Helping to save the world’s endangered plant species and finding new medicinal uses for plants are among the ideas being considered for an exciting new research collaboration between the University and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
The new partnership, to be formalised at a special event at Kew on Thursday, (31 January), is the latest development in a growing relationship between Kew and the University. For example, Sussex postgraduate students in Plant Conservation are taught by Sussex staff and by staff at Kew’s Millenium Seed Bank in Wakehurst Place near Haywards Heath.
Now, both institutions want to extend this relationship into new areas of scientific research that will benefit science and research at Kew and the University, to the benefit of academics, students, the wider community and the regional economy.
Professor Bob Allison, Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Research), says: “This collaboration provides ample opportunity to explore the possibilities not just of plant science and conservation, but wider areas of Kew’s heritage and archive material. We’re sowing the seeds for exciting new research and I anticipate a fruitful partnership.”
Academics at Sussex have also identified research areas they would like to collaborate on with scientists at Kew, including:
Other ideas outside scientific research would involve Kew’s rich archival resources and academics with interests in art history, heritage and education.
To mark this development, Vice-Chancellor Professor Michael Farthing and the Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Professor Steve Hopper, will sign a special Memorandum of Agreement at Kew.
Following the signing, there will be a reception for invited guests, including MPs and representatives from key funding bodies.