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.

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. There will also be a round where teams look for connections between plant names.

The next on-line knock-out and quarterfinal rounds will be in February 2026, 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 centenary celebrations of the University 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.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS!

The Planning Team were delighted to announce the following sponsors for BUC 2025:

Gold Level Sponsor – The Gatsby Foundation

Silver Level Sponsor – The New Phytologist Foundation

Silver level Sponsor – The Company of Biologists

Silver level Sponsor – University of Cambridge