This is a prestigious prize awarded annually to ‘the scientist or engineer whose expertise in communicating scientific ideas in lay terms is exemplary’. Kathy’s award reflects, amongst other things, the BBC radio series last year ‘From Roots to Riches’ and the book of the same name.
The prize is named after Michael Faraday: the influential inventor and electrical pioneer who engaged the public with the communication of science in the mid-Victorian period. Previous winners include Sir Martin Rees, Sir David Attenborough, Brian Cox, Lewis Wolpert and Colin Pilinger.
This prize is a wonderful honour for Kathy and it also brings great credit to Kew. Engaging and inspiring the public with plant and fungal science and conservation is one of our most important and pressing tasks.