Dr. Charlotte Allender, Head of the UK Vegetable Genebank at the School of Life Sciences, The University of Warwick has been awarded the Veitch Memorial Medal by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) for her work conserving vegetable crop genetic diversity.

On her nomination, Charlotte said: "I am very grateful to the RHS for this award; to have such a prestigious organisation recognise the value of your work is wonderful.”

This award recognises Dr. Allender’s research into conserving genetic variation of crop species and for her almost two decades-long service to the UK Vegetable Genebank. This work has been vital for food security by preserving these sources of genetic variation that are needed to develop new and robust crop varieties.

Charlotte added: “The conservation of plant genetic resources is vital and underpins the research and breeding activity necessary to develop the new crop varieties needed for a food secure future. I would like to acknowledge that the work of the UK Vegetable Genebank is only possible with a team of skilled and dedicated staff and the support of the University of Warwick and Defra.”

The UK Vegetable Genebank celebrates its 45th anniversary later this year. It currently stores around 14,000 vegetable seed samples, sourced from 128 different countries, making it a globally significant resource.  

Across the years, Charlotte’s work has supported a substantial number of plant breeders and research projects worldwide, including Defra’s Genetic Improvement Networks. 

Professor Guy Barker, Deputy Head of the School of Life Sciences at Warwick, and Warwick Lead for the Vegetable Genetic Improvement Network (VeGIN) said “This award to Charlotte Allender is well deserved. Her efforts in charge of the Vegetable Genebank at the Warwick Crop Centre (in association with Defra) have meant we all have access to this vital facility. Her activities ensure that the genetic diversity required to produce vegetables with the flexibility to deal with changing climate and new pests is secured, which is important for breeders and growers alike.”

The Veitch Memorial Medal, instituted in 1870, is an annual award made to persons of any nationality who have made an outstanding contribution to the advancement of the science and practice of horticulture.

Tim Upson, RHS Director of Gardens and Horticulture, said: “The Veitch Memorial Medal is one of the highest accolades awarded by the RHS, recognising people who have made outstanding contributions in the science and practice of horticulture. After a rigorous process to assess nominations, which is international for this award, the RHS is delighted to recognise Dr Allender’s work in the vital area of crop genetic resources and the key role this plays in UK horticulture both now and for future generations.”

ENDS

Notes to Editors

About The Royal Horticultural Society People Awards 

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), founded in 1804 as the Horticultural Society of London, is the UK's leading gardening charity. The annual RHS People Awards recognises the achievements and hard work of individuals making an outstanding contribution to horticulture and gardening. Anyone can make a nomination and each year we love to hear about the people you believe should be recognised for their talents. Nominations are assessed by the RHS Awards Committee, which is comprised of experienced horticulturists from across the horticultural industry. The Committee recommends the strongest applications to the RHS Horticulture Board and RHS Council for a final decision. 

About the University of Warwick 

The University of Warwick is one of the UK’s leading universities, marking its 60th anniversary in 2025. With over twenty-eight thousand students from 147 countries, it is currently ranked 9th in the UK by The Guardian University Guide. It has an acknowledged reputation for excellence in research and teaching, for innovation, and for links with business and industry. The recent Research Excellence Framework classed 92% of its research as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’. The University of Warwick was awarded Midlands University of the Year by The Times and Sunday Times. 

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