Foreword writer Katherine J. Willis Professor Katherine Willis of Oxford University was the first Director of Science at Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew (2013-2018), where she was responsible for a science staff of 260 people, management of the extensive plant collections, and the development and implementation of a new science strategy and structure.
In 2014, Kathy presented a 25-part Radio 4 program Plants: From Roots to Riches, which explored our changing relationship with plants over the last 250 years. In August 2015, Kathy was awarded the prestigious Michael Faraday Prize from the Royal Society for her work in science communication. Kathy is also a member of the UK Government's Natural Capital Committee--an independent advisory body that focuses primarily on helping the government develop its 25-year environment plan.