Catherine Walter

Catherine Walter is Interpretation and Learning Coordinator at Cambridge University Botanic Garden, working to communicate plant science to its audiences through signage, trails and exhibitions. Within the Garden’s Learning team she also coordinates the short courses programme, which delivers a diverse range of courses and workshops for adult learners.

Catherine Walter will be speaking at the Digital Exhibitions Summit 2026 :

Talking Plants

What would you ask a plant that was thought to be extinct until 1980, or one whose ancestors were growing even before bees, flowers and dinosaurs? In a 2-month experimental exhibition, Cambridge University Botanic Garden partnered with Nature Perspectives to explore how AI can help people connect with the plant kingdom. Using an AI chatbot, visitors at the Garden could initiate conversations with twenty rare and fascinating plants. With the ability to ask any question at their own pace, visitors could have a unique and personalised experience to discover the science and stories behind the living collection.