Samuel Brockington

Professor Samuel Brockington is an Associate Professor in the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Cambridge, where he serves as Head of the Evolution and Diversity Group and Curator of the Cambridge University Botanic Garden. His work bridges evolutionary biology, plant systematics, and conservation science, with a particular focus on the Caryophyllales order of flowering plants.

Dr. Brockington's educational background includes a PhD in Evolutionary Biology from the University of Florida (2003-2009) and a BSc in Plant Sciences from the University of Edinburgh (1998-2002). His research spans multiple interconnected areas including the systematics of Caryophyllales, the evolution of betalain pigmentation pathways, plant conservation strategies, and the remarkable fog-harvesting geophytes of Namaqualand.

His scholarly work demonstrates consistent focus on plant evolutionary mechanisms, particularly the molecular pathways behind betalain pigmentation, which has replaced anthocyanins in many Caryophyllales lineages. Recent publications show increasing integration of genomic approaches with traditional systematics, while maintaining practical applications in plant conservation. His work on the global network of botanic gardens has provided critical insights into ex-situ conservation strategies.

Key scientific contributions:

• Established the molecular basis for convergent evolution of betalain pigmentation in Caryophyllales
• Developed methods to boost betalain production through metabolic engineering
• Conducted landmark analysis of global botanic garden collections for plant conservation
• Advanced understanding of sexual deception in plant pollination systems

As an educator, Dr. Brockington teaches across multiple levels of the Natural Sciences Tripos at Cambridge, with particular involvement in plant evolution, domestication, and field courses. He maintains active public engagement through lectures on botanic gardens and conservation. His leadership extends to committee service including the Graduate Education Committee and Cambridge University Botanic Garden Syndicate, along with trustee roles for conservation organizations.