Botanical University Challenge

What is Botanical University Challenge?

An annual contest of botanical knowledge between teams of UK and Irish university students. Universities and botanical institutions can enter teams of students (undergraduate or postgraduates) for this contest. For 2026, 32 teams have entered.

BUC is a fun and friendly competition between teams of undergraduate & postgraduate students. It embraces many aspects of botany including plant ID, taxonomy & evolution, ecology & conservation, plant health, horticulture, agriculture & forestry as well as plants in culture & history.

The initial on-line rounds are multiple choice questions to find the four semifinalist teams. These four teams then meet in a live semi-final and final in the summer that reveals the final winner. The questions will be free answers and include some on plants provided to the teams.

The next on-line round will be 25 February 2026. The 4 teams with the highest scores will compete in the semifinal in August. This round will be streamed live on our YouTube channel. All the contests are recorded to view later.

The live semifinal and final will be at University of Reading on Wednesday 19 August 2026 to celebrate 10 years of Botanical University Challenge and as part of the university’s celebrations of the centenary of Reading Royal Charter.

The Fourth Student Botany Festival will follow the final, open to all BUC2026 contestants. It will be on 20 – 21 August 2026. It involves 2 days of networking, talks, career sessions, workshops and visits.

Follow us on social media – TikTok, Instagram, BlueSky or X. We have a YouTube channel with recordings of past competitions as well as information about the teams and interviews with student team members. There are also interviews with botanists about their careers.