President: Prof Tom Meagher

I have been a plant biologist quite literally since childhood. Both of my parents were plant biologists, my father a plant physiologist and my mother a plant taxonomist. Over my own career as a plant evolutionary biologist, I have developed a broad perspective on plant science, how it relates to other fields of science, and how it relates to society.

My PhD used novel demographic analyses to show that herbaceous perennials have life spans comparable to trees. Subsequent work integrated genetic forensic methods to generate the first comprehensive paternity analysis in plant populations. My current work is exploring novel remote sensing technology to measure plant biodiversity, putting together an interdisciplinary and international team to apply this work in NE Brazil as well as the Scottish Atlantic rainforest.

I maintain a strong profile in public understanding of science. I was a founding member of the US Society for the Study of Evolution Education Committee and subsequently served as Chair. Here in Scotland, I have been co-PI on a UKRI STFC Public Understanding of Science Hub, developing pedagogical materials to help secondary students understand bioinformatics.

I strongly believe in the importance of international connectivity in the ongoing development of science. A few of my own experiences to date include: Royal Society funded lecture tours in China, invited keynote lectures for the British Embassy in Perú; invited chair of a UN CCC COP26 UN Innovation Hub panel; and support for establishment of a Brazilian synthesis center for biodiversity and ecosystem services; leadership of a British Embassy/British Council/CONCYTEC scoping of a new National Botanic Garden for Perú, resulting in Peruvian legislation in support of a NBG; serving as a UK delegate to the UN CBD COP16. Finally, as Deputy Chair of the UK Joint Nature Conservation Committee (Advisor to Government on Nature Conservation | JNCC), I am familiar with processes by which scientific knowledge translates into government action.

I look forward to bringing this breadth of experience to bear for the BSS. It is an honour to serve as President of the Botanical Society of Scotland!