Science at the Museum
The Natural History Museum is an international leader in the scientific study of the natural world. Our science describes the present diversity of nature, promotes understanding of the critical importance of its past, and develops knowledge that supports anticipation and management of the impact of human activity on the environment.
Our research covers a broad range of scientific questions, centred on systematics, the science of the diversity of organisms, which is fundamental to all scientific study of the natural world. Systematics enables us to investigate past evolution and current patterns of biodiversity, and includes taxonomy – the theory and practice of naming, describing and classifying organisms. For the Museum, systematics also covers the study of minerals, rocks and meteorites.
The Museum has a unique combination of broad-based scientific expertise and one of the world's largest collections of natural objects (plants, animals, fossils and minerals). Our expertise lies in the knowledge and experience of our 300 scientific staff members, some of whom are responsible for the complex processes of conservation and management of the immense collections.