Join scientists from the University of Cambridge to hear about some of the latest discoveries in plant science and how these have the potential to solve some of the biggest global challenges in food security, climate change, industry and medicine.
Cambridge University Botanic Garden launches its seasonal series of monthly ‘Science on Sundays’ talks on 18 March 2018 during the Cambridge Science Festival.
The 30-minute, informal, ‘drop-in’ talks are suitable for adults and children over the age of 12. This season’s topics range from how plants trick and attract their pollinators, to how their sugars can be woven into wood, to how DNA from long-dead plants can be used to measure the impact of climate change.
Professor Beverley Glover, Director of Cambridge University Botanic Garden curates the series. She says: “I never cease to be amazed by plants and the extraordinary ways they make food, survive predatory attack, reproduce and adapt and cope with their environment – all while being rooted to the spot. We have so much to learn from them and what many of us don’t realise is that they hold the key to solving some of today’s biggest global challenges.”
She continues: “These talks are about sharing the wonders of plants. The aim is to introduce the latest science that seeks to understand how plants function and, crucially, how we can apply some of the lessons learnt to solve some of today’s very real and pressing problems including shortages of food and fuel as well as the effects of climate change. Issues such as these can only be addressed with the help of plant scientists and we’re proud that many of the plants held here in the Botanic Garden play such a pivotal role in supporting such vital research.”
The ‘Science on Sundays’ series talks take place at 11am and 2pm monthly between March and August.
The talks are held in the Garden’s classroom, close to the Brookside entrance. Talks are free but normal garden admission charges do apply; there is no need to book, just drop-in to the Classroom at 11am or 2pm.
To see the Science on Sundays full programme of talks, please click on the link below.
Publication Date 13/03/2018