Biodiversity research

Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne scientists have a key role in discovering and naming plants and fungi (taxonomy) and in elucidating their relationships and evolutionary history (systematics). Our biodiversity research also covers ecology and biogeography.

Conservation research

Scientific research at RBG Melbourne underpins a range of conservation and sustainability initiatives, such as propagation of native orchids and the Victorian Conservation Seedbank. Our scientists are also at the front line in identifying new weeds.

Information and resources

The National Herbarium of Victoria houses an internationally significant collection of dried plant specimens and an extensive botanical library. Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne also provides a variety of information and identification services for plants and fungi.

Saving seeds for our future

The Victorian Conservation Seedbank stores seeds from Victoria's native plants for research and restoration.

The Rainbow Gum

Royal Botanic Gardens scientists seek to understand the evolution of the world's most widely planted tropical eucalypt.

Science studentships

Applicatons are now open for the 2011–2012 Jim Willis Studentships and Peate Studentship.

International Botanical Congress

The XVIII International Botanical Congress was held in Melbourne in July 2011.