Teams at RHS Science & Collections

The 130 dedicated individuals working at RHS Hilltop – the Home of Gardening Science include plant and horticultural scientists, horticultural advisors, information specialists and collections curators

Our research aims to provide solutions to some of the great challenges we face, such as climate change, creating healthy gardens, and improving the health of people, wildlife and the planet. This research feeds into industry, government and the advice we give while answering 115,000 gardening queries from the public every year.

Meet the teams

Professor Alistair Griffiths

As Director of Science & Collections, Alistair leads the teams as they undertake scientific research, care for our world-class collections and provide evidence-based advice on horticultural challenges

Cultivated Plant Diversity team

Recording the diversity of UK cultivated plants and underpinning conservation through preserving specimens, research, identification, and accurate naming

Environmental Horticulture team

Sustainable horticulture to address climate change, harness ecosystem services, combat environmental challenges and improve human health using plants and gardening

Plant Health team

A trustworthy and respected source of research, information, advice and support to facilitate healthy plants, biodiversity and healthy garden ecosystems

Horticultural Information team

Sharing the RHS’ gardening and plant knowledge with our members, gardeners and the horticultural industry, answering over 115,000 questions a year

RHS Libraries and Collections

Curating the finest gardening heritage collection in the world, including rare and modern books, botanical art, photography, herbarium specimens, archive material, nursery catalogues and objects

Discover more

Science & Collections at the RHS

Discover what we’re all about

Help our research

Take part in community science projects

What’s on at RHS Science

Year-round talks and events for all

Be inspired

Careers in horticulture

If you’re looking to change careers or just starting out, the world of horticulture offers dozens of diverse roles. Explore our careers section to find your calling

See the range of careers

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.