Kew Science

Science has always been at the heart of Kew. Our research, partnerships and collections contribute to some of the most important issues facing our planet.

State of the World's Fungi report

The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew has released the first ever State of the World’s Fungi report. The report outlines the state of the world’s fungi and highlights just how important fungi are to all life on Earth. It explores the current knowledge on the diversity, distribution and evolutionary relationships of the world’s fungi, examines positive interactions and insights incorporating the key uses of fungi in everyday life, and looks at the global challenges associated with fungi, including climate change and plant diseases. Explore the data and download the report from stateoftheworldsfungi.org.

Who we are and what we do

Kew is a global resource for plant and fungal knowledge. Our unique combination of extensive collections, databases, scientific expertise and global partnerships gives us a leading role in facilitating access to fundamental plant and fungal information.

Kew's Science Collections

With over 8.5 million items, Kew houses the largest and most diverse botanical and mycological collections in the world. They represent approximately 95% of vascular plant genera and 60% of fungal genera.

Projects

Search our key research projects below, or browse by geographical region.

Collecting Aloe dichotoma seeds (Credit: Wolfgang Stuppy)

Training and education

Find out more about Kew's MSc course, PhD opportunities, training courses and internships.

Data and resources

Explore Kew's data and resources for plant and fungal information.

Kew Science blog

Explore some of the results and activities of our global science and conservation research program, and keep up to date with current developments in Kew science and science policy.

Kew Science news

View all Kew Science news

17th October 2018

Kew exhibits at the Illegal Wildlife Trade Conference

Kew’s CITES team, along with Kew Scientists, presented their work on plants at the Illegal Wildlife Trade Conference on 11–12 October 2018 in London.

Author Anonymous (not verified)

15th October 2018

Kew Scientist discovers new species of aquatic herb on the edge of extinction

In a recently published paper, Kew scientist Dr Martin Cheek and African collaborator Dr Aiah Lebbie, describe the discovery of a bizarre new waterfall genus of Podostemaceae

Author Anonymous (not verified)