In addition the Foundation and Friends have now raised over 5.3 million towards this important new development. During this year we are also beginning the restoration of Museum No. 1 which will be our Centre for Education and a museum function on the ground floor. Although some reductions in programmes are necessary in the prioritisation exercise, I think that we can look forward to a bright future for the science programmes of Kew. Conferences Communication is vital for research progress, and conferences and workshops play a key role in defining and shaping its direction. Although the number, quality and impact of written scientific publications are important products and measures of science output, much of what is ultimately written derives from the personal contacts and open discussions that are the hallmarks of good conferences.
Scientific meetings spawn ideas, facilitate networking and initiate collaborations.
Kew has a special opportunity and responsibility to encourage and lead communication by supporting, organising and hosting international conferences and workshops. This is strongly recognised in our Corporate Strategic Plan. It is Kew's policy to send selected staff and students from all science departments to appropriate scientific meetings, and to expect them to contribute actively by normally presenting oral or poster papers, or attending workshops. It is also Kew's policy to organise and host one international conference in most years focused on a topic of strategic importance, with special emphasis on plant systematics or conservation, and to prepare the proceedings for publication, normally within 12 months. The latest, hosted in September 1996, on plant reproduction was rated as highly successful by those attending.