The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew has announced the appointment of a new director; Professor Stephen D. Hopper, currently Foundation Professor of Plant Conservation Biology at the University of Western Australia, and former Director of Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Perth. Professor Hopper will take over from Professor Sir Peter Crane in October of 2006.
Professor Hopper has an impressive reputation and broad experience in plant science and plant conservation. He is the author of more than 200 publications, including eight books. He is a passionate conservation biologist and has been engaged in practical plant conservation for almost 30 years. For seven years he was Director of King's Park and Botanic Garden in Perth, followed by five years as CEO of the Botanic Gardens & Parks Authority, an Australian government body run by an independent board.
Lord Selborne, Chairman of Trustees at Kew, said, "We are fortunate to have found in Stephen Hopper an unusual combination of excellence in plant science research and conservation, coupled with in-depth experience of managing a large and complex visitor attraction. We look forward to working with Professor Hopper in the years ahead and especially the planning leading up to Kew's 250th Anniversary celebrations in 2009."
Professor Hopper has a proven track record in attracting funding to the organizations for which he works, and has successfully managed stakeholder relationships through a period of change and development at Kings Park and Botanic Garden. He said,"I am delighted to accept the post at Kew. With its worldwide profile, important national and local presence, and rich diversity of botanical and mycological programs, Kew is superbly placed to speak for, inspire and demonstrate best practice in plant conservation - the basis of life on earth, and one of the world's greatest challenges."Professor Hopper's research experience includes: evolutionary, systematic and conservation studies on plants of Australia; evolution of Mediterranean-climate plants; pollination ecology, flora conservation, and conservation genetics of Australian flora; collaborative international programs on granite outcrop floras; eight books and numerous papers; currently developing and testing new theory on the evolution and conservation of biodiversity on the world's oldest landscapes, and various public positions, including membership of the Western Australian Premier's Science Council, which advises the government on science policy, innovation and communication.
His management experience includes: Kings Park and Botanic Garden, which is a 400 hectare public reserve incorporating a botanic garden. It is Western Australia's most frequently used tourist and outdoor recreation venue. Professor Hopper led the delivery of improvements to programs and infrastructure at Kings Park and Botanic Garden to world-class standards.
