‘Every box has been opened’: London botanic gardens digitizes 7 million specimens

Kew Botanic Gardens completed the digitization of its entire collection of 7 million plant specimens on June 15, 2026. This extensive project involved scanning every preserved specimen, making them accessible online for researchers worldwide. The initiative aims to leverage artificial intelligence tools to accelerate the fight against biodiversity loss by providing unprecedented access to global plant data. The digitized collection includes specimens from around the world, offering a comprehensive historical and geographical record of plant life. This digital archive is expected to be a critical resource for scientists studying plant evolution, distribution, and the impacts of climate change. The project's completion marks a significant milestone in botanical research, enabling faster identification of species and the discovery of new ones. Kew Gardens anticipates that AI will analyze this vast dataset to identify patterns and predict trends related to endangered species and ecosystem health. The digitization effort also includes detailed metadata for each specimen, such as collection location, date, and collector's notes, further enriching its research value. This move positions Kew Gardens at the forefront of digital botany, facilitating global collaboration and advancing conservation efforts.