Tuesday 7th May, 1700 – 1830

Preserving what matters: Scotland’s national collections

In person/Online

Scotland’s national collections are a cornerstone of our scientific, cultural, and societal heritage. They support research, innovation, public understanding, and evidence-based policy. Yet, their longevity often works against them, resulting in them being taken for granted.
As funding priorities shift and short-term impact is increasingly emphasised, these long-standing assets risk being undervalued.
This year’s Peter Wilson Lecture, co-hosted by the RSE and the Scottish Consortium for Rural Research (SCRR), will shine a spotlight on the importance of National Collections and what they reveal about key issues affecting rural Scotland.
Our keynote speaker, Helen Hardy, Deputy Head of Digital, Data and Informatics at the Natural History Museum will offer unique insights into how digitising and democratising access to collections can ensure their relevance. Professor Olwen Grace (Deputy Director of Science (Collections) at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh) will provide an initial response. And then our panellists from the Royal Botanic Gardens Edinburgh, the Scottish Association of Marine Science, and the Royal Society of Edinburgh will be speaking about their national collections and the importance of preserving Scotland’s collections.
Attendees can also explore a curated exhibition at the RSE, featuring stories and items from Scotland’s collections that speak to current rural and environmental challenges, including food systems, land use, biodiversity, health, climate, and sustainable development.

Please note: The exhibition and refreshments will open at 4pm with lecture starting at 5pm

Tickets and full details available here:

In person: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1342102808629?aff=oddtdtcreator

Online: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/1342104654149?aff=oddtdtcreator