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<\/p>\nThe Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh has appointed only its 17th Regius Keeper since the title was created over 300 years ago.<\/p>\n
Dr Julia Knights will become RBGE\u2019s first female Regius Keeper (CEO) following 16 men dating back to the King\u2019s Botanist Professor James Sutherland in January 1699.<\/p>\n
The soil scientist, chartered horticulturist and former Deputy Director of London\u2019s Science Museum will take up the post at the end of January 2026.<\/p>\n
She will succeed Simon Milne, MBE, who is set to retire from the post he has held since 2014.<\/p>\n
The Regius Keeper serves as CEO of Scotland\u2019s leading botanic garden, which was founded in 1670 as a physic garden to train medical students and is now a non-departmental public body of the Scottish Government, registered charity and world leading botanic institution.<\/p>\n
The title of Regius Keeper is a direct result of a Royal Warrant granted to the Garden in 1699, during the reign of King William III.<\/p>\n
The appointment still requires the assent of the monarch.<\/p>\n
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Dr Knights said: \u201cWith the urgent crises of nature loss, climate change and social inequality, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh\u2019s mission to explore, conserve, and explain the world of plants could not be more vital.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am honoured to become the next Regius Keeper of the RBGE \u2014 which holds one of the richest botanical living collections on earth across four incredible gardens at Logan, Benmore, Dawyck, and Edinburgh.<\/p>\n
\u201cI look forward to working with the Chair, trustees and talented staff to build on Simon\u2019s legacy, and further RBGE\u2019s world leading research and horticulture, continue the digitising of plants in its Herbarium, and welcome visitors back to the iconic Palm House next summer.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m also passionate about furthering work with local communities and partners in Scotland and training of the next generation of botanists and taxonomists to identify, protect and conserve plants and fungi, for people and the planet.\u201d<\/p>\n
Dr Knights\u2019 career spans over 20 years in biodiversity, conservation and climate change, including 12 years working as a British diplomat leading science teams in some of the greatest biodiversity hotspots in the world in East China, Russia and Latin America.<\/p>\n
In Brazil, she led a major multi-million-pound UK government research programme which included work to identify new plant species in the Amazon rainforest.<\/p>\n
Dr Knights also served in the Senior Civil Service as Deputy Director of Energy and Climate Science in the UK Government\u2019s Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy, where she led a team of climate scientists and statisticians responsible for providing the science underpinning the UK\u2019s net zero legislation.<\/p>\n
In that role, she was also responsible for the delivery of the UK\u2019s greenhouse gas inventory, a \u00a345 million climate science research programme and the UK\u2019s Focal Point for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.<\/p>\n
Previously, Dr Knights also worked in senior policy and delivery roles in nature, conservation and sustainable agriculture for five years in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).<\/p>\n
She was also Deputy Director of London\u2019s Science Museum for nearly six years, leading the visitor experience, operations, curatorial, learning, and public engagement teams towards delivering world class exhibitions such as Amaz\u00f4nia, Versailles: Science & Splendour, and Future of Food.<\/p>\n
Dominic Fry, Chair of the Board of Trustees at RBGE, said: \u201cJulia brings with her a wealth of experience and integrity.<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom her scientific and horticultural acumen to her experience as a diplomat overseas, Julia\u2019s track record demonstrates a close synergy with the work and ethos of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh.<\/p>\n
\u201cI am confident Julia has the skills and energy to ensure this organisation continues to prosper at the fore of our sector and am very much looking forward to working alongside her.\u201d<\/p>\n
Rural Affairs Cabinet Secretary Mari Gougeon congratulated Dr Knights on her appointment, adding: \u201cThe work of botanic gardens has never been more important, and Julia\u2019s wealth of experience in the climate and environmental sector as a scientist, a civil servant, and as a British Diplomat will bring strong and inspirational leadership to this next exciting chapter.<\/p>\n
\u201cI also wish Simon Milne MBE the best of luck in his hard-earned retirement after his significant contribution as 16th Regius Keeper of the RBGE over the last decade.<\/p>\n
\u201cHis tenure has been marked by a steadfast commitment to scientific excellence, public engagement, and environmental stewardship. Under his guidance, RBGE has strengthened its global reputation and deepened its impact across Scotland and beyond.\u201d<\/p>\n
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The 350th anniversary of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh was 2020 but the anniversary has been marked this year with the Floral Clock in Princes Street Gardens unveiled by The Rt Hon Lord Provost Frank Ross and Regius Keeper Simon Milne PHOTO \u00a92021 The Edinburgh Reporter<\/p>\n
Mr Milne said it had been his \u201cprivilege and joy\u201d to have headed up the organisation during a transformative period in its history.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cI am immensely proud of all we have achieved and deeply honoured to have worked alongside such dedicated staff, passionate volunteers, and inspiring students.<\/p>\n
\u201cTogether, we have advanced the understanding, conservation, and appreciation of the plants and fungi on which all known life depends.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs I prepare to step aside, I do so with complete confidence that my successor will lead the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh with vision and resolve towards its next exciting chapter, continuing to champion plant diversity and the very future of our planet.\u201d<\/p>\n