The research group is interested in deep-sea species, such as tube worms (Lamellibrachia). Credit: Adrian Glover.
Welcome to the Deep Sea Lab Group.
We study the ecology, biodiversity, conservation, taxonomy and evolutionary biology of deep-sea and Antarctic invertebrate animals.
We work with academic colleagues, government funding agencies and industry to take part in deep-sea oceanographic research expeditions in the remotest regions of our planet.
Our research is focused on invertebrate groups such as annelids (polychaetes), echinoderms, sponges and molluscs that exhibit remarkable diversity in our oceans. We work in environments such as the vast mud-covered abyssal plains that make up 54% of planet Earth’s solid surface, as well as the unique ecosystem of the Antarctic Southern Ocean. We also study the ecology and evolution of animals living at hydrothermal vents - underwater hot springs and oases of remarkable evolutionary novelty in the deep sea.
We are undertaking a range of externally-funded science projects related to deep-sea biology. Our work is underpinned by a commitment to the highest quality integrative taxonomic work with data and specimens made available in open-access publications and museum collections for future generations.
Museum staff
Lenka Nealova
Dr Georgina Glaser
Corie Boolukos
Eva Stewart
Dr María Belén Arias Mella
Scientific associates
Principal investigator
Project summary
Focus: Studying the evolution, ecology and biodiversity of life in the planet's largest ecosystem.
Join the conversation
Get involved with our work by searching #NHMDeepSea on Twitter.
Projects
DEEPEND: Deep-ocean resources and biodiscovery
Studying the societal value of biodiversity in the deep sea.
Biodiversity in deep-sea mining exploration areas
Studying biodiversity in the deep abyssal Pacific Ocean, which is being explored for potential deep-sea minerals.
Antarctic marine biodiversity and climate change
Documenting and monitoring biodiversity deep in the Southern Ocean.
Exploring the evolution of animals at deep-sea hot springs
Examining the role of hydrothermal vents in driving the evolution of novel adaptations in deep-sea animals.
Systematics and ecology of deep-sea chemosynthetic ecosystems
Studying the animals at deep-sea hydrothermal vents and related ecosystems.
REX: the remotely operated vehicle for education and exploration
Creating a low-cost underwater exploration facility for everyone.
Deep Sea ID app
Creating a simple, photographic guide to deep-sea fauna to improve identifications in the field.
News from the group
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Science newsAround 90% of species in prospective deep-sea mining zone are unnamed
Many regions of the deep sea are currently being explored for the potential to mine them.
25 May 2023 -
Science newsPacific expedition may have discovered over 30 new deep sea species
Over 30 potential new species, from starfish to sea cucumbers, have been discovered living at the bottom of the sea.
27 July 2022 -
Science newsNew species from the abyssal ocean hint at incredible deep sea diversity
New species of the deep ocean floor are helping change how we think.
21 April 2020 -
AnthropoceneThe tiny sponge that could help preserve our deep oceans
It could help us to monitor mining impacts in the ocean.
31 October 2018 -
What on Earth?Hydrothermal vents: survival at the ocean's hot springs
What is a hydrothermal vent and did life on Earth begin at these underwater locations?
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AnthropoceneNew deep-sea species discovered in Pacific conservation zones
Researchers have discovered several new animal species living on the Pacific seafloor.
17 July 2018 -
NewsNew life found at the bottom of Antarctic seas
A massive survey of life in the freezing seas around Antarctica has shown that they harbour many more animals than previously thought.
25 January 2018 -
OceansExploring animal life on a hydrothermal vent
As well as intriguing vent animals, the team got to see humpback whales breaching in the bay.
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NewsNew species could help monitor impact of future deep-sea mining
The sponges live on the ocean floor on metal-rich nodules, which are targeted by deep-sea mining companies.
25 September 2017 -
OceansThe tiny robot spying on life underwater
Dr Adrian Glover tells us how an underwater robot has opened a treasure trove of opportunities for scientific observation.
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NewsSeafloor expedition data will help assess future deep-sea mining
By improving our knowledge of what is living in the area, it will be easier to monitor the effects of future mining.
10 October 2017
Related information
UK biodiversity research
We are creating molecular and digital tools to explore undiscovered biodiversity.
Invertebrate research
Our scientists are investigating the taxonomy, systematics and biodiversity of groups of invertebrates.
Zoology collections
Our zoology collection has 29 million animal specimens and is rich in voucher, type and historical specimens.