Jim Endersby

Professor Jim Endersby is Professor of the History of Science in the School of Media, Arts and Humanities at the University of Sussex. He specializes in the history of science with particular interests in the histories of botanic gardens, the impact of empire on nineteenth-century British science and society, science and literature, and the reception and influence of Darwinism. Currently on research leave, he recently completed a term as Associate Dean for People, Culture and Inclusion in the Faculty of Media, Arts and Humanities.

His academic journey includes:

• First degree in History and Philosophy of Science at University of New South Wales
• MPhil and PhD in History and Philosophy of Science Department at Cambridge
• Post-doctoral research fellow at Darwin College, Cambridge
• Joined Sussex in 2007
• Promoted to senior lecturer in 2009
• Promoted to Reader in History of Science in 2013
• Promoted to Professor in 2018

Professor Endersby's research explores the intersections between science, culture, and society, particularly focusing on how Darwinism became part of everyday public culture. His work examines historical connections between botany and empire, the role of botanic gardens, and the relationship between science fiction and scientific thought. He has made significant contributions to understanding how scientific ideas permeate public consciousness and shape cultural narratives.

His recent publications include the 2025 book 'The Arrival of the Fittest: Biology's Imaginary Futures, 1900--1935' which explores how early-twentieth-century publics made creative use of new theories of heredity, particularly mutation theory. His earlier 2016 book 'Orchid: a cultural history' won the Watson Davis and Helen Miles Davis Prize for the best book for a general audience by the History of Science Society in 2018.

His scholarly achievements have been recognized with several prestigious awards:

• 2018: Watson Davis and Helen Miles Davis Prize for 'Orchid: A cultural history'
• 2016-2017: Mid-Career fellowship, British Academy
• 2011: Stafleu Medal of the International Association for Plant Taxonomy for 'Imperial Nature'
• 2010: Shortlisted for Suzanne J. Levinson Prize
• 2007: Royal Society of Literature's Jerwood Prize for 'A Guinea Pig's History of Biology'

Professor Endersby has secured significant research funding, including a Leverhulme Major Research Fellowship (beginning September 2025) for his project 'Darwinian Fans: reading, responding to and reimagining evolution,' which will analyze how Darwinism became part of everyday public culture between 1859 and 2009. He previously received a British Academy Mid-Career Fellowship (2016-2017) for his work on early 20th-century biology.

He maintains a strong connection with the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, having curated exhibitions, provided training to volunteer guides, and collaborated on BBC Radio 4 programs. He is actively involved in conversations about Kew's imperial legacy and contemporary issues around race and decolonisation.