Research and curation
A new age of discovery
Our distinctive approach to research is to use the combination of our collections and our specialist expertise in taxonomy, systematics, biodiversity, natural resources, planetary science, evolution and informatics to tackle scientific questions in novel ways.
Research initiatives
Discover more about the new approaches we are taking to our key areas of research, such as biodiversity
Biodiversity initiative
Our researchers are focusing on tropical forests to tackle long-standing questions about the diversity of the most complex ecosystems on Earth.
Learn more about our research initiatives in other areas
Collections
Collections
The life and earth science collections of the Museum comprise some 70 million specimens or items. The collections cover virtually all groups of animals, plants, minerals and fossils.
Departments
Earth sciences
Museum scientists are studying the origins of the planet, the earth's resources and the evolution of life.
Life sciences
Researching the diversity of life on earth studying the biodiversity of species, ecosystems and environment.
Library and Archives
Explore one of the world’s finest collections of natural history literature, artwork, photographs and manuscripts.
Science facilities
The Museum runs world class Molecular laboratories, Imaging and analysis and Conservation facilities.
Resources
Publications
The latest research articles, books and other publications produced by the Museum's scientists.
Prospective students
Discover more about the postgraduate courses offered at the Museum, in collaboration with British and overseas universities.
Seminars and events
Find out what scientific seminars and events are taking place in the Museum's science group.
Data online
Browse our data about taxonomy, biodiversity, evolution and natural resources or search our collections for specimens and collections.
Watch the video to see how Museum scientists discovered the worlds smallest fish.
Strange life forms have evolved in the peat swamps of Southeast Asia, harsh habitats once thought to be devoid of life. Eleanor Adamson, fish researcher, introduces some recent expedition finds, including the world’s smallest fish.
Featured blog
Curator of Diptera
Get updates from Erica McAlister, Curator of Diptera in the Entomology collections team.
More blogs from our scientists
Follow us on Twitter at @NHM_science
Latest news
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Wet weather helped human culture grow - 21/05/2013
Some of the earliest signs of modern human culture are linked to climate change.
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Fatal fungus found in third major amphibian group, caecilians - 15/05/2013
Chytrid fungus has been found in caecilians for the first time.