Research and analysis

Independent science review of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

Assessment of the quality, balance, scope and appropriateness of the scientific programmes at RBG Kew.

Documents

Independent Science Review of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

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Details

Defra’s Chief Scientific Adviser commissioned an independent expert science review of Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew in 2011.  This assessment of the quality, balance, scope and appropriateness of the scientific programmes at RBG Kew is part of the Chief Scientific Adviser’s role in ensuring that Defra’s evidence is of a high quality.

The review was chaired by Professor Georgina Mace, Imperial College, and the panel’s report was published in June 2012.  The review concluded that Kew’s work in plant discovery and description is of world class quality and of great global significance, and that RBG Kew is highly regarded as an international botanic collection and research facility.

The review identified areas where RBG Kew faces challenges going forward over the next five years and made a number of constructive recommendations relating to the quality of RBG Kew’s science, its research programmes, resources, evaluation of activities and science strategy.

RBG Kew published its response to the science review panel report in June 2012.  Defra continues working with RBG Kew to help them implement their response to maximise the value of Kew’s important scientific work.

Further information

Published 8 June 2012