New Shoots

Science and Collections Summer Studentships

Join an active programme of plant science research and communication at one of the world’s great gardens

Applications are open

Applications for the 2026 intake are now open, with submissions accepted until 31 January 2026

What does RHS scientific research involve?

Biodiversity in gardens
Plant health diagnostics and management
Plants and human health and wellbeing
Science Communication
Epidemiology of new and important pathogens and invertebrates

Sustainable horticulture
Ecosystem services of green infrastructure
Cultivated plant taxonomy and nomenclature
Cultivated plant identification
Herbarium collections management

What can we offer?

6–10 week summer research project
Gain experience in fieldwork, lab work, data collection and analysis

Develop a wide range of transferable skills
Work alongside experienced scientists as part of the RHS Science and Collections Team

How is it funded?

We will work with you to apply for funding from a number of external sources. Funding is typically around £400 per week.

Who can apply and how?

If you are an undergraduate student in your second year of a three-year degree (or third year of a four-year degree), then please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your interest and project preference to [email protected]

Please note: Placement opportunities will be subject to funding availability.

The project titles for 2026 are:

The water needs and evaporative cooling potential of Dahlia
Bringing Nature Home – Garden plants for caterpillars

Assessing the efficacy of two spot ladybird (Adalia bipunctata) as a biological control agent for controlling aphid for home gardeners’

Our past students and research subjects

2025 – Ruby Leys

Working with the Plant Health Team at RHS Wisley has made me aware of so many careers I didn’t know about before. Getting to work on an entomology project and try out new skills has been helpful now that I’m applying to Masters projects.”

2024 – Ella McCutcheon

“My project was fascinating to work on and Wisley was a beautiful place to spend the summer, everyone there was so friendly and helpful”

Heidi Wheatley took part in the Finding Fungi project in 2024. This eight-week project was funded by the British Mycological Society with aim of monitoring fungi populations at RHS Wisley, to see if they reappear after soil disturbance. Recording which species appeared in newly changed landscapes, helped RHS scientists understand what level of disturbance fungal species could tolerate.

“My internship was not only a great opportunity to learn more about a subject of interest but also allowed me to apply my skills and knowledge to a working environment supporting my future career progression.”

Emma worked on a 10-week sluggy Summer Studentship as part of the Royal Society of Biology plant health undergraduate studentship programme. Her focus was a feeding choice lab experiment on home garden slug deterrents. The scientific results have already updated the advice we give to home gardeners.

“I enjoyed the chance to present my work to peers, the public and press as well as create a poster and report for scientific publication.”

Hazel worked with senior plant pathologists Dr Liz Beal and Dr Matthew Cromey, and Dr Jon Banks from Bartlett Tree Experts, on cultural and green chemical control of cucurbit powdery mildew, funded by the British Mycological Society.

“I enjoyed carrying out a practical experiment and learning how to carry out identifications under the microscope, and through DNA extraction.”

Melissa worked with plant health scientists Dr Magdalena Boshoff and Dr Fryni Drizou on sampling and identifying plant parasitic nematodes, funded by the British Society of Plant Pathology.

“I have explored a fascinating area of science, and have gained a brand new breadth of knowledge. The plant health team were supportive and encouraging throughout my studentship, and I feel really inspired by my time at Wisley.”

In her third year of studying biology Emma completed a literature review since lab work was not possible due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The review was supervised by Dr Liz Beal and considered environmental factors that favour powdery mildew outbreaks.

“The opportunity to write a literature review about powdery mildew provided me with a great insight into the field of plant pathology and advanced my research skills. The support from a leading plant pathology expert was invaluable and has affirmed my interest in this field.”

A third year biology student, Colleen spent 7 weeks working alongside Entomologist Dr Stephanie Bird researching box tree moth oviposition.

“I was based mostly at the field research facility where I reared moths from larvae for experiments and monitored box tree moth infestation on box tree plots. The results from this project will help us work out ways to reduce infestation and protect box tree plants in the future.”

Working for 10 weeks alongside Dr Hayley Jones, Julie investigated the life cycle of the agapanthus gall midge.

“The placement was incredibly insightful and rewarding. I received much needed guidance from the RHS research staff and am so grateful for the opportunity to experience life as a research scientist. I learned the principles of experimental design and project management and presented my research findings at a BSPP conference.”

Investigating endophytic Trichoderma for bio-control of honey fungus
Developing molecular methods for honey fungus species identification
Identifying gastropod feeding preferences
Analysis of soil fauna diversity following slug control

Get in touch

For any questions about Science and Collections Studentships, please email and we will be happy to answer your questions.

Email: [email protected]

Get involved

The Royal Horticultural Society is the UK’s leading gardening charity. We aim to enrich everyone’s life through plants, and make the UK a greener and more beautiful place.