Sylvester F. Miniter IV

New York Botanical Garden scientists, postdoctoral researchers, Ph.D. candidates, research associates, highly-trained technical staff, interns, and volunteers work to explore, understand, document, conserve, and manage Earth’s plant, algal, and fungal diversity. Interrelated approaches promote multiple levels of discovery and rapid advancement of understanding. Systematics Geographic Area Programs. With a sustained network of active field research since 1891—and a particular focus on six geographic areas in the New and Old World—Garden scientists work with local colleagues and collaborating institutions to explore, understand, and conserve biological diversity. Plant Groups. With expertise across all of the major, ancient evolutionary lineages—algae, fungi, lichens, mosses, liverworts, ferns, gymnosperms—plus many groups of flowering plants that we see around us—Garden scientists carry fundamental knowledge for finding solutions to environmental and natural resource challenges now being brought about by rapid global change. Laboratory Research. With modern laboratories and state-of-the-art techniques such as DNA analysis, Garden scientists explore plants, algae, and fungi and their relationships at their most essential levels—pushing the boundaries of knowledge about life and leading to new discoveries. Conservation Conservation. With conservation initiatives to identify plant species at risk of extinction and inform plans to protect them and their ecosystems, Garden scientists reduce negative consequences for human well-being and the biological diversity of the planet at both local and global levels. Plants and People. With a focus on useful plants—both those that are global resources with great economic impact as well as species used regionally by indigenous peoples and local communities—Garden scientists find solutions for conserving and sustainably managing the plant resources on which the well-being of people depends. Outreach Training and Science Education. With a renowned professional staff and unmatched scientific facilities, the Garden trains the finest young botanists possible in order to expand knowledge about plant diversity and accelerate the translation and sharing of that knowledge for the benefit of humankind. Science Offerings & Events. With visitor-oriented exhibits, Gallery Talks, Science Open Houses, professional conferences, and more, the Garden enhances understanding and advances discovery about plants, algae, and fungi found around the world—and their relationships to each other, to their ecosystems, and to people