Practice-based research

This research takes a novel practice-based approach, combining art, science, and humanities to form an interdisciplinary team. The project further benefits from external advisor providing direct access to the World Museum herbarium. Plant preservation in herbariums can be used for climate change monitoring, identifying species loss, and extracting DNA.
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Science Capital
​​Museum institutes commonly use the concept of Science Capital, rooted in theories of Social Capital. By utilising this concept, this research aims to make science accessible to the public and instil the belief that "science is for me." This approach is expected to increase engagement and the likelihood of pursuing further science education9 by engaging children and their families with medicinal plants, their uses, and the impacts of climate change on biodiversity loss. This will particularly benefit those from backgrounds with limited understanding of science (UCL, 2024).
Practice-based Research
Practice can be described as a “research instrument (a method) and part of the methodology” this concept is supported by Michael Hohl (Candy, 2006). Practiced-based research being an original investigation undertaken to gain new knowledge by the means of practice and the outcomes of that practice as opposed to practice-led research allows practice to lead to new knowledge (Candy, 2006). This project will intend to follow the method of practice-based research as the practical experimentations of artistic botanical practice will form the outcome of my practice. It is argued that practice-based and practice-led research have fluid definitions and their boundaries are unclear with some creative researchers operating under the mode of Practice as Research in the Arts (Candy, 2006). The Tate Research Centre is a good example of advocating practice as research as part of their learning development by focusing research through rigorous reflective practice (Cutler, 2023). My research method may adapt a broader research model such as practice as research in the arts, rather than specifically practice-based. Chris Meigh Andrews further supports the concept of using a complete integration of practice and research and therefore I will keep openminded to the possibilities of integrating practice and research (Dean and Smith, 2009). ​​
Project Phases
Phase 1: Making/Refining "tool kit"
Toolkit(s) will be developed using botanical art to share scientific information about endangered medicinal plants, including why they are at risk, how to ID them and how and why they are preserved. Sensory elements will be included, such as 3D printing structures for touch. Hands-on activities will allow children to learn the skills needed for plant preservation to encourage them to continue this effort. The initial toolkits will be used in public engagement events, where feedback will be obtained and then used to further develop the toolkits through an iterative creative design method.
Phase 2: Public Engagement
The toolkits will be used at workshops and exhibition installations. This research project is well linked with museum institutions that have diverse targeted audiences. This includes the Science Museum Group: children from low-deprivation postcode areas;
Eureka Science + Discovery: school-educated children; Sefton Palm House: home-educated children; World Museum, Liverpool: large public audience in the North; Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: large public audience in the South.
Phase 3: Impact surveys
Impact: A QR code to impact surveys will be provided within exhibitions / workshops for participants / viewers feedback.
Evaluate: The effectiveness of engagement activities using metrics such as changes in knowledge, increased interest in plants science, activities adoption of conservational practices and overall satisfaction with engagement experience.
Findings: Will be used to write recommendations to re-develop toolkits enabling co-creation from public feedback.
Analysis: Evaluate research impact / analyse survey data / identify areas for improvement / refine toolkits. Thesis: A written universal framework developed for public engagement toolkits within natural science.
World Museum
The World Museum's botany collections include approximately 400,000 botanical specimens and related items, with numerous specimens holding national and international importance. Additionally, the department features a comprehensive botanical library. Samantha is a member of the Botany Department team as a Volunteer and is under the supervision of Botany Curator, Donna Young and Assistant Botany Curator, Wendy Atkinson. Samantha is receiving training in plant preservation, which comes under "Informing Conservation Strategies". Plant preservation helps to gain insights into how plant species reacted to climate change in the past, which can guide current and future conservation efforts. Herbarium data assists in identifying at-risk species and prioritising conservation measures to alleviate the effects of climate change on biodiversity. Click for more info
Interdisciplinary Team
Samantha's practice-based plant research is supported by an interdisciplinary supervisory team bringing a range of skills and expertise to the research. This approach enables the project to transcend traditional disciplinary limits and allows collaboration across faculties including art, science and humanities.
Click here to find out about transdisciplinary practice.