Researchers at Edge Hill University have discovered why fewer students are choosing to study the biology of plants and are calling for changes to the curriculum to address ‘plant blindness’ to protect this much needed profession.
With climate change, food security and the natural world regularly in the spotlight, academics have been intrigued as to why today’s students are showing less of an interest in plant sciences and choosing to focus instead on human and animal biology, as it is plant scientists who can answer many global challenges.
Plant Science Lecturer Dr Sven Batke has been investigating this trend and uncovered that a phenomenon called ‘plant blindness’, whereby people fail to notice the plants in the environment around them, has become an increasing issue in younger adults.
Read further about Dr Sven Batke’s investigation: https://www.edgehill.ac.uk/news/2020/09/are-britains-young-people-going-plant-blind/