Science facilities
A false-coloured scanning electron microscope image of the mite Varroa. This mite is a parasite of the honey bee and is responsible for the spread of viral infections from hive to hive. The image was obtained using the Museum's S-2500 scanning electron microscope, and is magnified 30x.
The Natural History Museum has comprehensive analytical, imaging and DNA sequencing facilities. Our new purpose-built laboratories are well-equipped with a wide range of modern, state-of-the-art instrumentation, and are staffed by teams of specialists experienced in preparation, analysis and interpretation of a broad spectrum of biological, mineralogical and material specimens.
The Museum promotes the development and application of these facilities, and operates as an interdepartmental resource for Museum scientists and visiting researchers from around the world. Themed and contracted research projects ensure the continuing development of equipment and methods relevant to Museum science and the scientific community.
The foundations of our analytical capabilities are:
- world-class analytical facilities in modern purpose-built laboratories
- experienced personnel
- close liaison with researchers and curators
Life science facilities
- Entomology Molecular Systematics laboratory
- Molecular biology unit (MBU)
- Wolfson Wellcome Biomedical Laboratories
Earth science facilities