Office of the Science Directorate

The Office of the Science Directorate provides support for Kew's research departments and is composed of five teams:

Conservation Policy

A team to make sure Kew staff are kept informed of developments in Conservation Policy. We provide expert advice, support and training on international biodiversity conventions, and prepare collaborative research agreements. We also advise Defra and ensure Kew science informs policy decisions at the national and international level.

Team leads: Dr Carly Cowell and China Williams

Members

• Sonia Dhanda, Science Officer - CITES
• Rosemary Simpson, Science Officer - CITES
• Valentina Vaglica, Science Officer - CITES
• David Whitehead, Science Officer - CITES

Education and Communication

This team coordinates Kew's scientific education programmes and internal and external science communication activities. Members work to promote our world-class research and lead on delivering our MSc in Plant and Fungal Taxonomy, Diversity and Conservation in conjunction with Queen Mary University of London.

Team lead: Dr Richard Gianfrancesco

Members

• Dr Pat Griggs, Science Education Administrator
• Hollie White, Science Education Administrator
• Dr Chelsea Snell, Digital Communications Officer - Science
• Greg Palmer, Science Communications Administrator

Health & Safety and Estates Liaison 

A team to ensure a safe working environment across the Science Directorate, members work on improving sustainable working practices and act as a point of contact to Estates.

Team lead: Keith Manger

Members

• Dr Elaine Porter, H&S and Estates Liason Officer
• Noor Juna, H&S and Estates Liason Officer
• Toni Risebro, Support Officer, MSB
• Carol Pearce, Support Officer, MSB
• Jayne Elson, MSB Receptionist
• Sally Lambert, MSB Receptionist

Research Services

The Research Services team provide a crucial service to Kew scientists to help them to achieve the external funding required to deliver Kew’s scientific vision. The team provides expert advice, training and support to Kew scientists throughout the lifecycle of a project, from developing ideas and proposals, internal approvals and submissions, to the support of successful awards, closedown of projects, and scoping potential follow-on funding.

Team lead: Dr Maria Fitzpatrick

Members

• Dr Katie Hartnup, Research Funding Officer
• Dr James Lord, Research Grant Writer
• Jenny Martin, Research Support Officer
• Grace Roberson, Research Support Officer

Senior Science Support

This team provides a strategic and operational support to the Director of Science, Deputy Directors of Science and Heads of Science Departments.

Team lead: Dr James Wearn

Members

• Eileen McManus, PA to the Director of Science
• Elizabeth Howard, PA to the Deputy Directors of Science
• Mark Martin, PA to Senior Science Team
• Ed Boustred, PA to Senior Science Team