The number of weed scientists active in research in the UK is in decline.  Concerns are being raised by some funders and agronomists about the consequent capacity of the research community to address the key issues for practical weed management e.g. increased numbers and persistence of invasive species, continuing development of resistance to herbicide treatment and climate change.  This conference/workshop will identify the key areas for research on weeds within the UK context in the next 5-10 years and consider what steps could be taken to address the decline in capacity for weed research and enable researchers in the UK to respond to these challenges.