Plant Protector
As the Chief Scientist & Director Science, Education and Conservation, Dr Summerell is championing the conservation of plants and all life that depends on them. He has been performing vital scientific research for over 30 years and leading a team of world-class plant scientists for the last 15 at Australia’s oldest living scientific institution.
Dr Summerell is a fungi expert and has helped describe over 120 new species and published over 150 journal articles, books and book chapters. He is considered one of the world's foremost experts on the deadly Fusarium pathogen, which can wreak havoc on our food crops and native plants.
In his role as Director Research & Chief Botanist, Dr Summerell is building on the Garden’s legacy of studying, documenting and protecting plant life in Australia for over 200 years by advocating for plant conservation and how important plants are in our lives. He also provides senior scientific advice to the Gardens and to government and is mentoring and inspiring the next generation of plant scientists.