Analytical facilities

Radiolarian scan

Contact us

NHM Consulting
The Natural History Museum
Cromwell Road
London SW7 5BD

+44 (0)20 7942 6189

The Museum offers comprehensive analytical imaging facilities and a DNA sequencing consultancy service.

Our purpose-built laboratories are staffed by a team of specialists experienced in preparation, analysis and interpretation of a broad range of natural and artificial specimens, including biological, mineralogical and cultural heritage specimens. We also have close relationships with researchers, curators and instrument manufacturers.

Our analytical capabilities and techniques

  • high resolution scanning electron microscopy (FEG SEM)
  • variable pressure scanning electron microscopy (VP SEM)
  • confocal microscopy (CLSM)
  • micro-CT scanning (µ-CT)
  • analytical scanning electron microscopy (SEM-EDX)
  • electron probe microanalysis (EPMA)
  • inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS)
  • inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES)
  • laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-IPC-MS)
  • ion chromatography (IC)
  • powder and single crystal X-ray diffraction (XRD)
  • transmitted and reflected light microscopy of minerals, ores and rocks
  • thin, ultra-thin and polished sectioning of rock and mineral specimens

Get in touch with the team

Need our expertise for your next project? Contact the team to find out more about consultancy at the Museum.