V Factor
From visitor to volunteer
Our V Factor volunteers will help improve access to our diatom collections. These minuscule single-celled algae are stored on microscope slides, shown above.
V Factor is your chance to work alongside Museum scientists and help work on our renowned specimen collections, taking you from visitor to proactive volunteer.
See our V Factor volunteers and scientists in action from the end of May in the Darwin Centre's Specimen Preparation Area (SPA) on Thursdays.
We are now offering places for V Factor from 30 May 2013 until April 2014.
Find out more about the V Factor 2013 diatoms project PDF (306.9 KB)
To apply for a volunteer position, download the V Factor 2013 expression of interest form PDF (650.8 KB)
V Factor supports Museum collection-based projects across our specialist science departments.
Darwin Centre Cocoon
The current project is to assist our botanists to database, search and link information from Thomas Combers' diatom collection of slides, bottles, notes and drawings.
As a V Factor volunteer you will be based in the Specimen Preparation Area of the state-of-the-art Darwin Centre Cocoon where the public can see you at work with scientists.
With your help we can continue to improve access to the collections and improve standards in collections care and storage. You’ll benefit from a unique and fun learning experience and receive a certificate at the end of your 10-week placement.
See the V Factor volunteers and our scientists in action in the SPA
V Factor and diatom research
V Factor volunteers are helping to collate Thomas Combers' diatom collection, from slides and bottles to notes and drawings. This data will be used to create an all-in-one, online scientific resource for public study and research.
