Museum research

Scientific study at the Museum does not just take place in the laboratory – many of the projects take place in the field from far flung places across the world. The work also has global implications – such as the study of disease, agriculture and climate change. Discover the innovations, implications and inspirations behind the Museum’s work.

Museum's DNA projects video shorts

Watch these videos to discover some of the Museum's molecular projects and how the results are used across the world.
Behind the scenes with Clare Valentine - 09/03/2007 (video)

Ever wondered what it is like to spend a day working behind the scenes at the Natural History Museum? Two students found out.
National earthworm survey

An easy-to-use identification guide to live earthworms has been developed by the Museum to support a national earthworm survey. Find out more.
Our global reach interactive map

Explore our interactive map and discover some of the cutting-edge research that we are currently undertaking across the globe.
Mosquito research - a day in the life video

Follow in the footsteps of Museum scientist Dr Yvonne Linton as she travels to the Kent marshes to look at mosquitoes and studies their DNA.
What's under the lens?

From a house fly to a head louse, can you guess the identity of these magnified images? Find out about scanning electron microscopy and how our scientists use these powerful microscopes.
Discovery and Understanding

From malaria to midges and climate change – investigate the work of scientists at the Museum.
Specimens and Knowledge

What is a specimen and where do they come from? With over 60 million life science specimens, where better to find out than the Museum?
Collecting and Society

Discover the value of collections to society, as well as how specimens are collected and the surrounding ethical considerations.
Peer review

Get in an insight into how scientists convince the world their ideas are worth publishing in this video.