Science Festival at Kew Gardens

Profesor Kathy Willis, Director of Science at Kew

First things first:

• Kew is a global resource for plant and fungal knowledge
• Kew is the world-leader in plant diversity science

Therefore, this Science Festival weekend at Kew is a real opportunity for visitors to get a behind the scenes look at what goes on there scientifically. 

Somewhat surprisingly, it the first time Kew has ever hosted a Science Festival, and so for its visitors of all ages, it is bringing the science out of the labs and into the Gardens; showcasing the importance of botanical and organic science research.

Designed to celebrate the work of Kew scientists and their scientific discoveries, this festival will allow the chance for people to get hands-on and interactive with Kew’s science in a way that will inspire, and, perhaps, spark a lifelong interest in botany.

Through onsite workshops and activities led by Kew scientists, researchers and students aim is to raise awareness of a wide range of important scientific issues.

"Kew's first Science Festival will engage and fascinate in equal measure. It's all about getting science into the Gardens and showcasing the exciting work carried out by our scientists in a fun environment." Professor Kathy Willis, Director of Science

The festival's programme is full of exhibits, activities, workshops and talks, and is full of variety. With over 15 interactive areas which includes: 

• Using a DNA sequencer that can fit in a hand – which reads DNA letters directly from the living organism to the computer screen
• Cloning a cabbage and pollinating orchids with tuning forks
• Visitors can also become citizen scientists and have their name included in a scientific paper by helping researchers measure and assess new plant species
• Younger budding scientists will be invited to try to make their own mushroom spore print, take part in the plant pressing ‘Olympics’ or go on a treasure hunt for the for the nearest relative to a cabbage