Dr Sarah Edwards presents this years lecture at Lady Lisa Sainsbury Lecture Theatre, Kew Gardens, 5 pm on November 14th. She'll describe her journey integrating teachings from traditional knowledge holders with scientific understandings.
Ethnobotany: The Sacred & The Science
Dr. Sarah Edwards
Ethnobotany, the discipline that studies the dynamic interactions and interrelationships between people and plants as mediated through culture, was initially concerned with identifying plants of potential economic value. Today ethnobotanists are active in decolonisation, working collaboratively and equitably with local peoples to conserve biocultural diversity. As an ethnobotanical practitioner, I will discuss my own journey integrating cross-cultural teachings from traditional knowledge holders and colleagues from across the globe with scientific understandings. As a bridge between different knowledge systems, Ethnobotany can offer insights to help address current ecological crises. Copies of my new book The Ethnobotanical will be available for signing before and after my talk.
Sarah began her career as a botany graduate working at the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew. A lucid dream led her to Australia and embarking on becoming an ethnobotanist: she was awarded a PhD in Medical Ethnobotany from the London School of Pharmacy in 2006. More recently Sarah has collaborated with artists and farmers in South Wales and with the London Borough of Richmond Arts Service. Sarah is currently based at the University of Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum and teaches Ethnobiology for the Institute of Human Sciences. She is also a Board member of the British Herbal Medicine Association.
24th Annual Kent-Kew Distinguished Ethnobotanist Lecture & Book Launch: The Ethnobotanical
17.00, Tuesday 14 November 2023
Lady Lisa Sainsbury Lecture Theatre, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew & online
All welcome, admission free
Book to attend in person: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/728091771087
To follow online: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/728105201257
Queries: Raj Puri r.k.puri@kent.ac.uk