Science not stamp collecting – the importance of botany from 1759 to 2059 December 1, 2009

Lecture by Professor Stephen Hopper, Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Professor Hopper will consider the vital role that the study of plant taxonomy and systematics has played in plant science. He will consider, in particular, how these fields are transforming to meet the needs of 21st Century science as we address the challenges of climate change and global conservation. This event will also celebrate the long association between Kew and The Royal Society through our shared history and common leadership.

Professor Steve Hopper is the 14th Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. A plant conservation biologist, Steve is best known for pioneering research leading to positive conservation outcomes in south-west Australia (one of the few temperate-zone global biodiversity hotspots) and for the collaborative description of 300 new plant taxa (eucalypts, orchids, Haemodoraceae). He holds Visiting Professorships at University of Reading, University of Western Australia and at Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Perth.

Arranged in collaboration with Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew as part of their 'How well do you know Kew?' lecture series to celebrate their 250th anniversary in 2009.

This lecture is free - no ticket or advanced booking required. Doors open at 5.45pm and seats will be allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. The lecture is from 6:30pm – 7.30pm, including questions.

This lecture will be webcast LIVE at http://royalsociety.org/live and available to view on demand subsequently at http://royalsociety.tv