June 4, 2025

Seeds of Change: The Power of Citizen Science

How we can all be part of the solution to a better tomorrow

Headlines like ’60 Harvests Left’ and ‘Water Shortages by 2050’ can leave us feeling scared, vulnerable and resigned to a negative future. But what if it was possible to be part of the solution to these challenges, even in a small, and manageable way? The empowerment and education to act can give us optimism and hope for future generations.

Join us for the inaugural event in the Big Idea Talks series at the prestigious Natural History Museum Oxford, where we explore the incredible power of citizen science and empowering indigenous and traditional farmers as champions of the conservation of the genetic diversity of crops through supporting and promoting social justice, especially in the global south.: Each of us can contribute to solving some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges through the food choices we make and how we can become part of a global solution to combat food insecurity and ecological collapse. This includes the importance of growing and celebrating adaptive, indigenous and local varieties that are able to change with the climate, including those varieties that are the result of collaborative and traditional breeding.

The conversation will be between, Adam Alexander (The Seed Detective) and Dr. Sasha Woods of Earthwatch Europe and chaired by Dr Sarah Edwards Plant Records Officer at the University of Oxford Botanic Garden and Arboretum. Together they will delve into how ordinary people can make extraordinary impacts through science and social action to uncover the hidden potential of citizen-led efforts in tackling water pollution, bio-diversity loss and our future food security.

This thought-provoking discussion aims to leave you inspired and empowered, knowing that every action—big or small—can help shape a more sustainable future.