Dr. Helen Kopnina: Requiem for the Weeds
Dr Kopnina, Helen (PhD Cambridge University, 2002) is currently employed at Northumbria University in Newcastle, UK
Lecture Theatre, Royal Botanic Garden, Edinburgh
Date: Thursday 15 January 2026 Edinburgh, from 6:00-7:00pm – (Tea/coffee and biscuits will be available from 5:30 pm as usual)
Venue: Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Science Building, 20a Inverleith Row, EH3 5LR
Venue Note: To access the lecture please enter via the Science Buildings main reception, 20A Inverleith Row, Edinburgh EH3 5LR. Note this is NOT the public entrance to the gardens. what3words ///ROPES.DINNER.CLUBS
Title: Requiem for the Weeds
Abstract: Modern urban spaces frequently objectify plants by treating them as aesthetic background or functional tools (e.g. for air purification) rather than living entities with intrinsic value. This presentation explores how plants labelled as weeds are marginalised or eradicated because they do not fit human-designed urban categories of utility or beauty and provide alternatives. The research uses an exploration of green spaces in Amsterdam as a case study to reflect on how social scientists and urban planners often fail to account for the complex socio-cultural and ethical status of non-human life.
BIO: Dr Kopnina, Helen (PhD Cambridge University, 2002) is currently employed at Northumbria University in Newcastle, UK, coordinating the Sustainable Business program and conducting research within four main areas: sustainable business, environmental sustainability, environmental education and biological conservation. Dr. Kopnina is the author of over two hundred peer-reviewed articles and co-author and co-editor of seventeen books.
