Our unique collections and world-class expertise are helping to tackle the biggest challenges facing the world today.
Research
Discover how we are using our broad knowledge and cutting-edge techniques to benefit both people and the planet.
Collections, data and services
Find out how you can access our world-renowned collections as well as our data, library, labs and other science facilities.
Study and events
Study alongside Museum scientists in our range of masters, PhD and training programmes or find out about our conferences and seminars.
Science highlights
A new science and digitisation centre
We’re moving some of the collections to a new science and digitisation centre.
Science training
Our training courses are designed for graduate students and professionals taught by Museum scientists.
Natural History Museum scientists described a record 815 new species in 2023
Last year scientists at the Natural History Museum have been busy.
Museum scientists published over 700 new pieces of research in 2023
Our scientists have contributed papers on everything from deep sea diversity to marsupial evolution.
Human evolution expert awarded Huxley Medal
Professor Chris Stringer, our longest-serving researcher, is set to be honoured for his contributions to human evolution.
Towards 30 by 30: Balancing nature and people
New analysis from our scientists reveals that current conservation efforts are not adequately protecting the most critical ecosystem services.
News from our scientists
-
Science news
Antarctic krill genes could reveal how they’re responding to climate change
Even the world’s most successful wild animal isn’t safe from rising temperatures.
1 November 2024 -
Science news
The evolution of birds made giant cicadas better flyers
An evolutionary ‘air race’ may have been taking place in forests during the age of dinosaurs.
28 October 2024 -
Science news
Largest ever millipede’s head revealed by 300-million-year-old fossils
Arthropleura's head reveals that millipedes and centipedes are closely related.
9 October 2024 -
Science news
Bird extinctions have a greater impact than we think
Every species extinction is bad, but the impacts are worse when we consider the ecosystem functions that are also lost.
3 October 2024 -
Science news
New species of tropical moth from Guyana discovered in Port Talbot living room
A new species of moth has been discovered 7,000 kilometres from home.
2 October 2024 -
Science news
Penguins and albatrosses have a ‘touch sensor’ in their beak
Some seabirds might have a ‘sixth sense’ at the end of their beak, new research reveals.
18 September 2024