Professor Stephen Blackmore
My research background in palynology has focussed on the application of pollen and spore evidence to understanding patterns of evolution in land plants and in reconstructing vegetation history, past human activities and climate change.
I am also passionate about the preservation of biodiversity and the maintenance and restoration of sustainable ecosystems through international initiatives such as the UN Convention on Biological Diversity, the UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration and the Kunming Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. These initiatives cannot succeed without the full participation of botanic gardens as centres of excellence in research, education, plant conservation and public engagement.
I publish on botanic garden strategy, plant conservation and have a strong focus on China. After retiring from RBGE in 2013, I chaired the Expert Committee of the Darwin Initiative (2013-2019) and the Board of Botanic Gardens Conservation International (2013-2024).