Museum scientist Anne Jungblut samples biofilms on the McMurdo ice shelf in Antarctica
Our scientists
More than 300 scientists work here in earth and life sciences, our core research labs and library and archives.
Our work
An acclaimed research institution, we publish over 700 scientific papers a year with international collaborators.
The collections
Our 80 million objects span 4.5 billion years, from the formation of the solar system to the present day.
The Natural History Museum at Harwell
We’re moving some of our collections to a new science and digitisation centre at Harwell Campus, Oxfordshire.
Science news
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Science newsThe world's smallest elephants led unusually long lives
Ancient elephants that would have been born the size of a puppy lived for decades more than previously thought.
29 November 2021 -
Science newsNeanderthals grew up faster than humans to power brain growth
Neanderthals lived fast and died young, developing their teeth earlier than humans to power their rapid growth.
24 November 2021 -
Science newsNew dinosaur species related to Iguanodon found on the Isle of Wight
A new species of dinosaur has been discovered from the Isle of Wight after a case of mistaken identity.
11 November 2021 -
Science newsAncient bryozoan fossil solves one of early life's greatest mysteries
A conundrum that has foxed scientists for decades has been solved, revealing the origins of an ancient group of animals.
27 October 2021
Our work
Discovery, origins and evolution
We are studying the key transitions in the evolution of life on Earth and predicting the impact of environmental change in the future.
Anthropocene and sustainability
Our expertise in taxonomy, systematics and mineralogy is driving research aimed at securing the future of our food, health and natural materials.
UK biodiversity
We are developing new molecular and digital tools for discovering biodiversity.
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.
The life of a Museum scientist
Read the latest blog posts from our scientists.
Digital collections
We are digitising large parts of the collections and giving online access to the data.