Graphical Abstract. Credit: PLANTS, PEOPLE, PLANET (2025). DOI: 10.1002/ppp3.70156

A new international study reveals what inspires people to study plant biology, a subject essential for building the future workforce needed to address biodiversity loss, climate change, and food security.

A study, led by researchers at University College Dublin, highlights growing concern that current education pathways are failing to produce enough skilled plant scientists to meet escalating demands across sectors including climate action, conservation, and agriculture.

As experienced botanical experts retire and fewer students enter plant-related degrees, the loss of specialist knowledge is creating vulnerabilities across research, policy, land management and industry.

Based on insights from more than 420 plant scientists worldwide, and published in the journal PLANTS, PEOPLE, PLANET, the research explored what motivates individuals to pursue plant-focused education and careers.

The findings suggest that early, hands-on encounters with plants, inspiring mentors, and emotional connections to nature are among the strongest drivers behind choosing a plant-related path.

"Without understanding and nurturing these formative influences, efforts to rebuild essential expertise in plant science may fall short, and with nearly half of all countries having fewer than ten active plant taxonomists, the scale of the problem is clear," said Dr. Joanna Kacprzyk, UCD School of Biology and Environmental Science.

The decline in botanical expertise has far-reaching implications, warns the study, as it is one of the main scientific foundations involved in mitigating climate change, restoring degraded ecosystems, and securing sustainable food systems.

The research identifies why this decline is proving difficult to reverse, highlighting that the decision to pursue botany-related education is most often driven not by labor-market demand alone, but by early childhood experiences that foster curiosity about plants.

These formative experiences are increasingly absent from formal education, particularly at school level, reducing awareness of plant science as a viable and meaningful career path.

Hands-on learning, fieldwork, inspiring educators and mentors, and sustained exposure to plants and nature were found to be central to developing long-term interest in botanical science.

"Our work emphasizes that the key to reversing the shortage of plant scientists lies in inspiring future generations, not only through job market incentives but through education that cultivates curiosity, creativity, and empathy toward plants. We need to win both minds and hearts to attract talent," said Dr. Kacprzyk.

Calling for the strengthening of plant science in curricula, expanding experiential learning opportunities, and supporting mentorship and outreach from early education through to higher education, the study warns that as environmental pressures intensify, failing to invest in botanical education only further erodes the critical expertise needed to respond effectively.

Publication details

Joanna Kacprzyk et al, Inspiring the next generation of plant scientists: What we learned from 421 plant biologists, PLANTS, PEOPLE, PLANET (2025). DOI: 10.1002/ppp3.70156

Citation: Decline in botanical education threatens response to climate action and food security (2026, January 20) retrieved 20 January 2026 from https://phys.org/news/2026-01-decline-botanical-threatens-response-climate.html

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