A close-up view of long green leaves, with the letters 'NYBG' overlaid in green neon

Plant Science

 

Botanical Breakthroughs Happen Here

At NYBG, we’re leading the charge on plant science the world over, putting centuries-old techniques to work alongside cutting-edge tools to cast a light on Earth’s vast botanical diversity—and the ways that we can join together to tackle our dual climate and biodiversity crises. Sign up for our Science Newsletter to receive updates on NYBG Scientists’ important work here in the Bronx and around the globe, along with upcoming events, lectures with renowned experts, and the many ways that you can get involved.

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From the lab to the field, NYBG scientists are hard at work studying and documenting the plants of our world, so we can protect Earth’s biodiversity for generations to come. Hear from some of the experts that make breakthroughs possible, and take a look at their collaborative efforts around the world.

About the Scientists at NYBG

Discovery has been a cornerstone of NYBG’s mission since botanists Nathaniel and Elizabeth Britton founded the Garden in 1891. Today our scientists follow in their footsteps, documenting new species, studying humanity’s relationship to plants, and working to protect the botanical diversity we need to survive—and thrive.

Interns in lab

Our Projects

Whether we’re studying plants in the Bronx River or discovering new species in the canopies of the Amazon Rain Forest, NYBG Scientists are always on the move. Discover our globetrotting projects past and present—from the palm tree to the petri dish.

People explore a sunny green rain forest

Collections & Resources

Step into the largest botanical library in the Western Hemisphere, home to centuries of scientific literature, or take advantage of our Steere Herbarium, containing millions of specimens from all around the world. With some of the most comprehensive living collections on Earth, plant history lives at NYBG.

Science Programs & Departments

Whether we’re exploring new means of crop rotation to improve the sustainability of our food systems, or documenting newly discovered plant species to better understand the health of our ecosystems, science never slows at NYBG. Get to know a few of the key programs under our laboratory roof.

Photo of the Bronx River in fall

News & Events

We’re always learning! Check out the latest updates from NYBG Science, including programs past and present, future projects in the works, and information on upcoming lectures and events that are available to the public.

The Hand Lens

Take a closer look at our herbarium collections and the endless stories they can tell. See features on expeditions taken around the globe by our researchers, art and history represented in our specimens, and much more.

NYBG VISITING SCIENTIST TRAVEL AWARDS

Funds are available to support researchers wishing to visit NYBG Science in person. Students and professional researchers may apply for an NYBG Visiting Scientist Travel Award to support their work in the collections, facilities, or with NYBG curators.

Photo of the William & Lynda Steere Herbarium

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