Museum research

Scientific study at the Museum does not just take place in the laboratory – many of the projects take place in the field from far flung places across the world. The work also has global implications – such as the study of disease, agriculture and climate change. Discover the innovations, implications and inspirations behind the Museum’s work.

Behind the scenes with Clare Valentine (video)

Ever wondered what it is like to spend a day working behind the scenes at the Natural History Museum? Two students found out.
National earthworm survey

An easy-to-use identification guide to live earthworms is being developed by the Museum to support a national earthworm survey. Find out more.
Our global reach

Explore our interactive map and discover some of the cutting-edge research that we are currently undertaking across the globe.
Discovery and Understanding

From malaria to midges and climate change – investigate the work of scientists at the Museum.
Specimens and Knowledge

What is a specimen and where do they come from? With over 60 million life science specimens, where better to find out than the Museum?
Collecting and Society

Discover the value of collections to society, as well as how specimens are collected and the surrounding ethical considerations.
Tackling disease together (video)

Explore how scientists from the Museum and across the globe are working together to reduce the spread of tropical diseases and improve public health.
Stripped to the bone (video)

See for yourself how the Museum's scientist Jo Cooper gets from whole bird to cleaned skeleton, using dissection and flesh-eating beetles to get down to the bones.