Focus Areas

Section through axillary meristem

We support some of the brightest and the best in UK plant science research, and aim to inspire an interest and excitement in plant sciences at all levels – from school students to undergraduates to graduate researchers.

We do this by focusing our resources in five key areas.

Focus Areas

Creating centres of excellence

Making ground-breaking progress in plant science requires the best researchers and state-of-the art facilities. We provide core funding for two outstanding centres of research in the UK: the Sainsbury Laboratories in Norwich and at Cambridge University.

Funding world-class research

Wheat trials in Mexico

From gifted PhD students to visionary leaders at innovative research institutes, we enable exceptional talent to make their mark in plant science, forging new discoveries in fundamental plant biology as well as beneficial developments in the field.

Networking plant scientists

Young plant scientists meet to hear about and discuss contemporary research.

The Gatsby Plant Science Network meets every year for presentations, talks and discussions, and provides an important forum for those undergraduate and postgraduate students supported by Gatsby to meet influential members of the plant science community.

Inspiring undergraduates

Thousands of students start undergraduate bioscience courses in UK universities each year. Targeted Gatsby funding ensures that those who are bright, enthusiastic and able to consider a future in plant science are inspired to pursue their ambitions.

Enriching school science

School students being guided through a Science and Plants for Schools practical.

It is important that young people appreciate the relevance of plant science to modern life, and have a good understanding of how plants work. We fund projects which develop the science curriculum, support teachers and connect plant scientists with schools.