15 September 2026
SCI Horticulture Group David Miller Awards 2026
Organised by:
SCI’s Horticulture group
SCI, London, UK
Synopsis
David Miller was the founder of SCI's Horticulture Group. David was a stalwart of the Guernsey horticulture industry for over 40 years, and made a great contribution to UK horticulture as a whole. He was always one to look ahead, and the encouragement and support he gave to young people at the outset of their horticulture careers, was fundamental to his philosophy.The David Miller Travel Bursary Awards was set up in his honour and aims to give one or more young plant scientists or horticulturists the opportunity of domestic or overseas travel in connection with their careers.
Programme
Tuesday 15 September 2026
- 12.00
- Registration and refreshments
- 12.30
- State of the Nation – A Review of the UK Horticultural Landscape
Dr Alec Forsyth, - Education- how we fall short and the implications | James Malins, Agronomist- a view from field vegetable production | Susan Hills, Driscolls- a fruit breeding and production perspective | Prof David Atkinson- UKRI- fit for purpose? | Prof Paul Hadley- DEFRA friend or foe? - 13.00
- Networking Lunch and discussions of ideas, issues raised
- 14.00
- A Welsh perspective: issues and initiative
Plenary Speaker: Dr Dylan Gwynn Jones - 14.30
- David Miller Award 2026 Winner
- 14.50
- David Miller Award 2026 Winner
- 15.10
- PHUGs 2026 winner
- 15.30
- Comfort break
- 15.40
- Updates from 2025 David Miller Award winners
- 15.55
- Presentation of Certificates
- 16.00
- Close
Sponsorship information
Please see the sponsorship pack and email conferences@soci.org to let us know which package you are interested in.
Accessibility Grants
SCI accessibility grants are available to support SCI members with disabilities, long term health conditions, those who require a carer, and members who are nursing parents to attend SCI events. Download an application form to apply for a grant.
Venue and Contact
SCI
14/15 Belgrave Square
London
SW1X 8PS
Conference Team
Tel: +44 (0)20 7598 1561
Email: conferences@soci.org
Fees
The event is free to attend.
All registrations will automatically receive a confirmation within 24 hours of registering for the event. Should you not receive written confirmation of your booking, please email conferences@soci.org.
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Booking Process/Deadlines
CPD Info
All delegates attending this meeting are able to claim CPD points.
Organising committee
David Atkinson, SCIAlison Foster, University of Kent
Susan Hills