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 newsNew Guinea is home to more plant species than any other island
The first taxonomically verified checklist of the plants of New Guinea is complete.
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SpaceMars 2020: an essential guide to the mission
Where will the rover land, and will it find life on Mars?
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Science newsEcholocation gives whales lopsided heads
Whales are some of the only animals with wonky heads.
10 July 2020 -
Science newsHuman ancestor Homo erectus had the stocky chest of a Neanderthal
New research on Turkana Boy is changing our understanding of the species Homo erectus.
6 July 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.