Our scientists
More than 300 scientists work here in earth and life sciences, our core research labs and library and archives.
Our research
An acclaimed research institution, we publish over 700 scientific papers a year with international collaborators.
Our collections
Our 80 million specimens span 4.5 billion years, from the formation of the solar system to the present day.
Digital collections
We are digitising large parts of the collections and giving online access to the data.
Science news
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Science newsTurtles have lived for 230 million years - but will they survive climate change?
Tracking the diversity of turtles could also give us clues as to how they might respond to increasing pressures in the future.
22 May 2020 -
Science newsAncient river systems on Mars seen in unparalleled detail
A satellite has revealed ancient Martian rivers in more detail than ever before.
5 May 2020 -
Science newsOcean ecosystems are more sensitive to climate change
Climate change is having a bigger impact on animals and plants in the ocean than those on land.
4 May 2020 -
Science newsMuseum collections show how pangolin populations have shrunk
Discover how we're helping some of the most threatened animals on Earth.
30 April 2020
Our work
Discover how our combination of collections, expertise and technology allows us to answer key scientific questions.
Collections
Find out why our 80 million specimens are a globally important resource for scientific reference and research.
Science departments and staff
Meet the 350 scientific staff at the heart of our world-class research and collections.
Library and Archives
Explore one of the world's finest collections of natural history literature, artwork, photographs and manuscripts.
Core research labs and consulting
Discover how specialist staff prepare, analyse and interpret samples in our state-of-the-art facilities.
Courses and students
Undertake professional and postgraduate training including PhD, MSc and MRes courses in our areas of expertise.