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.
Apply for a PhD project
We are currently advertising for a range of PhD opportunities in collaboration with universities across the UK.
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.
Asteroids named after Museum scientists studying the early solar system
The asteroids 28994 Helenabates and 31551 Ashleyking are part of the main asteroid belt, which is rocky debris left over from the solar system’s beginning.
Human evolution expert awarded Huxley Medal
Professor Chris Stringer, our longest-serving researcher, is set to be honoured for his contributions to human evolution.
News from our research
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Science newsScientists plan ‘seaweed breakthrough’ to restore threatened species
Seaweeds play a vital role in the modern world, but their existence is under threat.
2 February 2024 -
Science newsNatural History Museum scientists described a record 815 new species in 2023
This year scientists at the Natural History Museum have been busy.
28 December 2023 -
Science newsEarly giant whale from Australia changes our understanding of whale evolution
A jawbone fragment overlooked for more than 100 years was once part of a nine-metre-long ancient whale.
20 December 2023 -
Science newsJawbones reveal how evolution has shaped the face of whales
It’s said that you are what you eat – and that’s certainly true of toothed whales.
19 December 2023 -
Science newsBetter fossil dating could help to clear up human evolution
Going back to basics could help to unlock the mysteries of our origins.
18 December 2023 -
Science newsMachine learning could help scientists understand why birds are eating plastic
Seabirds in the Pacific Ocean are eating plastic and feeding it to their chicks.
18 December 2023
