New director of science at the Botanics

THE head of genetics at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh has moved into a new role as the director of science.

Professor Pete Hollingsworth is seen as a pioneer in the international drive to develop genetic tools for the advancement of study into plant biodiversity.

The 44-year-old takes up the new post after the retirement of Professor Mary Gibby at the end of March.

Prof Hollingsworth, who has been at the Botanics since 1997, said: “I look forward to building on the excellent foundations laid by my predecessor, Mary Gibby. As the 21st century advances, my aim will be to empower my colleagues to operate at the forefront of plant biodiversity science and attain even greater prominence for RBGE’s research”.

RBGE Regius Keeper, Professor Stephen Blackmore, added: “Pete is an outstanding researcher who is rightly well-respected both nationally and internationally.

“I am confident of his ability to further drive major advances in the research of biodiversity genetics and to ably lead our Science Division in its wider remit as an internationally-renowned centre of excellence.”