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.

200 Years of Dinosaurs
We are hosting an international conference showcasing pioneering dinosaur palaeobiology.

Apply for a PhD project
We are currently advertising for a range of PhD opportunities in collaboration with universities across the UK.

Human evolution expert awarded Huxley Medal
Professor Chris Stringer, our longest-serving researcher, is set to be honoured for his contributions to human 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.

Postgraduate showcase
Find out about opportunities for postgraduate study at our showcase event on 29 November 2023.
News from our scientists
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Science news
Fungus named after Beatrix Potter is one of the earliest plant pests
The oldest disease-causing fungus on record has been found in the Natural History Museum’s collection.
5 December 2023 -
Science news
‘It’s almost like a dream’: Sample of asteroid Bennu arrives at the Natural History Museum
Welcome to the next era of natural history collections.
28 November 2023 -
Science news
Toxic chemicals in UK whales and dolphins are exceeding safe limits
Almost half of marine mammals around the UK are being poisoned by banned chemicals.
28 November 2023 -
Science news
Moth found in West London is a new species from Australia
Specimens of the hitchhiking insect have been sitting undescribed in the Museum’s collections since 1886.
23 November 2023 -
Science news
Skull shape can predict how extinct vultures fed on carrion
Variations in the skull shape of vultures have been found to coincide with the preferred method each species uses to feed on a carcass.
21 November 2023 -
Science news
Unravelling the surprisingly complex history of crocodiles
Crocodiles have a deep and varied evolutionary past.
17 November 2023