The appointment of the next Regius Keeper has been confirmed following a competitive recruitment process overseen by the Chair of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Dominic Fry.
Dr Julia Knights has been appointed the 17th Regius Keeper (CEO) of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and will take up post at the end of January 2026. She will succeed Simon Milne MBE as he retires after more than a decade of transformative, visionary leadership.
Julia’s career spans over 20 years in biodiversity, conservation and climate change. She spent 12 years as a British Diplomat leading the science teams in some of the greatest biodiversity hotspots in the world in East China, Russia and Latin America, and led a multi-million-pound UK government research programme in Brazil which identified new plant species in the Amazon rainforest.
Julia also served in the Senior Civil Service as Deputy Director of Energy and Climate Science in the UK Government’s Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS). There she led a team of climate scientists and statisticians whose work underpinned the UK’s net zero legislation and was also responsible for a £45 million climate science research programme. Previously, Julia also undertook senior policy and delivery roles in nature, conservation and sustainable agriculture for five years in Defra – the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
Most recently, Julia was Deputy Director of London’s Science Museum, where she led the visitor experience, operations, curatorial and public engagement teams delivering world class exhibitions such as Amazônia, Versailles: Science & Splendour, and Future of Food. Julia also held responsibility for driving the sustainability agenda across the Science Museum Group’s five museums.
On her appointment as Regius Keeper of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, Julia commented:
“With the urgent crises of nature loss, climate change and social inequality, the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh’s mission to explore, conserve, and explain the world of plants could not be more vital. I am honoured to become the next Regius Keeper of the RBGE—which holds one of the richest botanical living collections on earth across four incredible gardens at Logan, Benmore, Dawyck, and Edinburgh. I look forward to working with the Chair, trustees and talented colleagues to build on Simon’s legacy, and further RBGE’s world leading research, continue the digitising of plants in its Herbarium, and welcome visitors back to the iconic Palm Houses next summer. I’m also passionate about furthering work with local communities and partners in Scotland and training the next generation of botanists and taxonomists to identify, protect and conserve plants and fungi, for people and the planet.”
Welcoming her to the organisation, Dominic Fry, Chair of the Board of Trustees, said: “Julia brings with her a wealth of experience and integrity. From her scientific and horticultural acumen to her experience as a diplomat overseas, Julia’s track record demonstrates a close synergy with the work and ethos of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. I am confident Julia has the skills and energy to ensure this organisation continues to prosper at the fore of our sector and am very much looking forward to working alongside her.
“For over a decade, Simon Milne has brought exemplary vision, leadership, and charisma to RBGE. I have hugely enjoyed working with Simon and shall miss him, as will, I know, his many colleagues and the wider world of horticulture and botany. Simon has led necessary change on an unprecedented scale and RBGE will look back on his tenure as Regius Keeper with a keen sense of accomplishment, and enormous gratitude and warmth.
Commenting on the appointment on behalf of the Scottish Government, Rural Affairs Secretary Mari Gougeon said: “I congratulate Dr Julia Knights on her appointment as the 17th Regius Keeper of the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh (RBGE). The work of botanic gardens has never been more important, and Julia’s wealth of experience in the climate and environmental sector as a scientist, a civil servant, and as a British Diplomat will bring strong and inspirational leadership to this next exciting chapter.
“I also wish Simon Milne MBE the best of luck in his hard-earned retirement after his significant contribution as 16th Regius Keeper of the RBGE over the last decade. His tenure has been marked by a steadfast commitment to scientific excellence, public engagement, and environmental stewardship. Under his guidance, RBGE has strengthened its global reputation and deepened its impact across Scotland and beyond.”
Simon Milne, 16th Regius Keeper, who is retiring at the end of January, has commented on his privilege and joy to have headed up the organisation during a transformative period in its long and distinguished history.
“I am immensely proud of all we have achieved and deeply honoured to have worked alongside such dedicated staff, passionate volunteers, and inspiring students. Together, we have advanced the understanding, conservation, and appreciation of the plants and fungi on which all known life depends. As I prepare to step aside, I do so with complete confidence that my successor will lead the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh with vision and resolve towards its next exciting chapter, continuing to champion plant diversity and the very future of our planet.”
Simon concluded: “This extraordinary institution – where world-class science, conservation, public engagement, and education come together – stands as one of Scotland’s most cherished and internationally respected establishments”.
Photo credit: Matthew Webb