These collections are essential for many for many research projects combating biodiversity loss and assisting with conservation efforts as they tell us what plant and fungal material was found where, when, and by whom. Preserved specimens can be analysed anatomically, genetically, and chemically, but at present many can only be accessed by visiting Kew.
The aim of Kew’s Digitisation Project is to transform our Science Collections into a global online resource by digitising all 7 million Herbarium and 1.25 million Fungarium specimens, enabling some of the most critical challenges facing humanity, such as climate change and habitat degradation, to be addressed.
This will involve digitising the specimens and creating a portal to provide external access to these specimens.