Can you be a world-leading scientist and believe in God?
Sir Ghillean Prance has spent a lifetime exploring the Amazon rainforest, discovering extraordinary plants and helping protect the natural world. As former Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, he helped establish the Millennium Seed Bank and shape the Eden Project.
But behind his remarkable scientific career lies a deeply personal story of faith.
In this episode of Journeys in Science and Faith, Professor Andrew C. Scott discovers how a young botanist found Christianity at Oxford, ventured deep into the Amazon, worked alongside Indigenous communities and missionary pilots, and came to believe that his faith was central to his scientific achievements.
From medicinal plants and rainforest expeditions to conservation, Darwin and the future of our planet, Sir Ghillean shares why he believes science and faith belong together.
"I wouldn't have gone this far in my botanical career if it wasn't for the stability of my Christian faith."
Journeys in Science and Faith — extraordinary scientists, remarkable discoveries and the beliefs that shaped their lives. New episodes every Thursday.

Released on 22 Oct 2026