The latest issue of BGjournal celebrates the 400th anniversary of the University of Oxford Botanic Garden and focuses on the evolving role of university botanic gardens around the world. Originally established as medicinal plant gardens, many of Europe’s oldest botanic gardens are associated with universities. In contrast, in Central and South America, some of the world’s youngest botanic gardens have also been established by universities. While developing in very different ways, these university gardens all have a common focus on conserving plant diversity and engaging with the leaders and decision makers of tomorrow.

As well as highlighting university gardens, this issue of BGjournal also includes a feature article on the Mykola Hryshko National Botanic Garden of the National Academy of Science of Ukraine. This is one of the gardens receiving support through BGCI’s Disaster Relief Fund. In our article we highlight the huge importance of this garden to the local community and the on-going efforts to install an irrigation system in its arboretum.

We hope you enjoy reading this issue of BGjournal and welcome your comments and suggestions for future issues.