Gatsby Plant Science Summer School 2026
Welcome attendees
Congratulations on securing your place at the Gatsby Plant Science Summer School 2026. Use this page to find out everything you need to prepare for the summer school including key dates, venue, programme and contacts.
About the summer school
The Gatsby Plant Science Summer School is a five-day residential held in York for UK bioscience undergraduate students who are curious about plant science, but haven't yet explored it in depth. It is run by the Gatsby Plant Science Education Programme (GPSEP), based at the University of Cambridge.
Dates and location
- Dates: Sunday 28 June – Thursday 2 July 2026
- Location: The Hawkhills, Easingwold, York
Contacts
Claire Pennycuick manages the summer school and Yulia Lapko coordinates the programme.
If you have questions about the summer school, please email Yulia at gpsep@botanic.cam.ac.uk.
What you will experience
During this 5-day residential programme, you will:
- Discover the latest in plant science research
- Develop practical laboratory and research skills
- Explore future careers in plant science and biosciences
- Hear from leading scientists and researchers
- Take part in practical workshops and small-group discussions
- Meet academics, postgraduate researchers, and students from across the UK
- Build new friendships and professional connections in a welcoming and supportive environment
It was one of the most enriching things I’ve done, and it was wonderful to learn for the sake of learning without exam pressure.
Gatsby Plant Science Summer School student (2023)
Programme highlights
Each morning begins with a lecture from a distinguished scientist, explaining how their research addresses real‑world challenges. You will then:
- Discuss the lecture in small groups, led by an academic tutor
- Take part in a live question‑and‑answer session with the speaker
In the afternoons, you will participate in hands‑on practical workshops, including:
- Live‑cell imaging using confocal microscopy
- Exploring plant disease and pathology
- Understanding how computer modelling supports biological research
You will also receive careers mentoring on topics such as work experience, bursaries, studentships and building professional networks.
Making connections with people happened so naturally, and the talks were fascinating — everyone was sad to leave.
Gatsby Plant Science Summer School student (2024)
Social connections
The summer school also provides opportunities to meet biosciences students from across the UK. The environment is designed to be friendly, supportive and relaxed, encouraging discussion and collaboration.
Life‑changing. If you’re unsure of what you want to do, this experience will help shape your degree and academic career.
Gatsby Plant Science Summer School student (2019)
Funding, accommodation and travel
The programme is fully funded by The Gatsby Charitable Foundation. This includes:
- All teaching and laboratory equipment
- Accommodation in single en‑suite rooms
- All meals during the week
You are only required to cover travel costs.
Travel grants of up to £125 are available for students on low incomes.
The 2026 programme
Lectures and tutorials
Planned speakers include:
- Julian Hibberd, University of Cambridge
Understanding the evolution of C4 photosynthesis to inform crop improvement - Gail Taylor, University College London
Plants as solutions for a sustainable future - Cristóbal Uauy, John Innes Centre
Feeding 10 billion: food security, nutrition and sustainability - Katherine Denby, University of York
Biological circuits: how plants make decisions - Charlotte Lusty, Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Global seedbanks: icons, resources or black holes
Additional speakers will be announced.
You can watch selected lectures from previous years on the Gatsby Plant Science Education Programme YouTube channel.
Practical workshops
Cell biology
Learn live‑cell imaging techniques using fluorescent reporter proteins. You will use a research‑grade confocal microscope and carry out computer‑based image analysis. You’ll meet young researchers working in this fast-moving area and find out what excites them.
Development
Explore how biomechanics determine how plants grow and respond to the environment. Learn to measure mechanical properties of plants and build a computational model to test how different mechanical properties can create different behaviours. Build your knowledge of techniques in contemporary science research and make cross-curricular links.
Pathology
Investigate how pests and pathogens are monitored and controlled in the UK. Activities include field specimen collection and DNA testing using modern laboratory equipment. During the workshop, you’ll speak to people working in the area about their experiences and what the work is really like.
Plant identification and systematics
Whether you’re a skilled ecologist or you can’t tell a dandelion from a daffodil, this practical will get you looking at plant families in new ways. Develop confidence in identifying plant families using modern classification methods. The workshop includes both indoor learning and field practice.
Careers support
Throughout the week, you will meet scientists and professionals from a wide range of scientific careers, including many you may not have heard of before. You will receive practical advice on:
- Career planning
- Research pathways
- Skills development and next steps
Support and accessibility
Venue has accessible facilities, and individual needs can be discussed. Students can speak to their Gatsby Mentor about bursaries, access arrangements or any barriers to attend.
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