The Colegrave Seabrook Foundation has announced its support for the 2026 Botanical University Challenge and Festival of Botany, reinforcing its commitment to developing the next generation of horticultural and plant science professionals.

Hosted this year by the University of Reading, the three-day event brings together students, academics and industry leaders from 12 leading universities and botanic gardens across the UK and Ireland. Institutions from Plymouth to Aberdeen, Galway and Dublin to Cambridge will take part in what has become one of the UK's most significant celebrations of botanical education.

The University of Reading, renowned for its excellence in botanical teaching, research and industry collaboration, is hosting the event during the centenary year of receiving its Royal Charter.

The Student Botany Festival, running from 19-21 August, opens with the finals of the Botanical University Challenge, following months of competition involving 32 university teams. Alongside the competition, delegates will take part in an extensive programme of workshops, practical sessions, lectures, seminars, careers panels, exhibitions and networking events designed to showcase the breadth of opportunities within plant sciences and horticulture.

Dr Hannah Hall, a member of the festival planning team, said: "This unique festival has created a platform that strengthens botanical literacy, enhances employability and inspires the next generation of botanists and plant scientists at precisely the time our industry needs them most."

Among those contributing to the careers programme will be Colegrave Seabrook Foundation Trustee Adam Dunnett, Production and Amenity Director at Hillier Nurseries, who will take part in a plant science careers panel.

He said: "The Foundation recognises the vital role that plant science plays in successful commercial horticulture, and we are delighted to support this year's festival. Horticulture is a practical, hands-on profession, but its long-term success depends on the strong scientific knowledge developed through university education and the pioneering research taking place across the sector."

The Colegrave Seabrook Foundation supports students studying horticulture at colleges and universities throughout the UK and Ireland through bursaries, scholarships and travel awards.

Applications for the Foundation's 2027 awards programme will open this autumn. Further information is available from the Colegrave Seabrook Foundation.