Executive Team

Dr Julia Knights was appointed 17^th Regius Keeper of Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh in January 2026. Her career spans over 20 years in biodiversity, conservation and climate change, including 12 years working as a British Diplomat leading the science teams in some of the greatest biodiversity hotspots in the world in East China, Russia and Latin America.

Julia also served in the Senior Civil Service as Deputy Director of Energy and Climate Science in the UK Government’s Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy where she led a team of climate scientists and statisticians responsible for providing the science underpinning the UK’s net zero legislation. She has also worked in senior policy and delivery roles in nature, conservation and sustainable agriculture in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Most recently, Julia was Deputy Director of London’s Science Museum, leading the visitor experience, operations, curatorial, learning and public engagement teams towards delivering world class exhibitions.

Julia holds a BSc Hons in Soil Science, an MSc in Crop Protection and a PhD in sulphur cycling in soil - plant - atmospheric systems. Julia is a Trustee of The Woodland Trust and Plantlife International and sits on the Royal Society’s Public Engagement Committee.

Pete Hollingsworth is Director of Science and Deputy Keeper at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, a Visiting Professor at the University of Edinburgh, a visiting Professor at Herriot Watt University, and an Honorary Professor of the Chinese Academy of Sciences’ Kunming Institute of Botany. His research focuses on understanding and conserving plant biodiversity. He has a particular focus on using DNA and genomic science to study the natural world, including developing and deploying DNA methods for telling species apart. Other interests include the science and best practice of species reintroductions, understanding pest and pathogen threats to plants in the natural environment, and developing approach for the conservation of genetic diversity. A cross-cutting strand to his work is translating scientific evidence into practical guidance. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh.

Lauren Bradshaw was appointed as Director of Development and Communications of RBGE in March 2025.

She is an experienced fundraising and external engagement professional with a background in the higher education sector. In her previous role as Deputy Director at Teesside University she established the new fundraising and alumni team, growing philanthropic income and overseeing the University’s corporate communications and events delivery. Prior to this, Lauren led the fundraising for Durham University’s Science Faculty, with significant experience working across the United States.

Sarah joined RBGE in April 2024, as Director of Learning and Engagement, where she oversees the development, implementation and coordination of the global learning and engagement programmes. Sarah previously held roles at Longwood Gardens, Pennsylvania, USA, as Vice President of Engagement and Learning and as Head of Education for the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), leading the national education programmes and qualifications. Other previous experiences include being a trustee for the Greater Brandywine YMCA (Chair), RBGE and Seed Your Future (National Leadership Cabinet) and a member of the Horticulture Roundtable group with Defra. She is also a member of the Niagara Parks School of Horticulture Advisory Group.