Dr Tim Littlewood

Natural history collections provide unique information on earth's biological and geological diversity through time and space. Embracing technological innovations, collecting for the future and working collaboratively through partnerships locally, nationally and internationally, allows us to add value to collections; ever more important as we better understand the drivers and consequences of change in the natural environment. Addressing why, what and how we collect today is foundational to the impact our collections have for current and future generations.

Our next transformation as a major scientific institution is centred on achieving: (i) a fully integrated yet distributed collection (combining specimens, metadata and research) through common platforms linking local, national and international networks and data; (ii) new collections and collecting strategies that track nature’s response to change through space and time, and inform the prediction of future consequences of change or intervention; and (iii) a solutions-led approach in leveraging our expertise towards addressing human-mediated change and human need in a rapidly changing world. We will achieve this through expanding higher-impact collaborative research, working in partnership to solve global challenges, involving the public, and building on our reputation for leadership and innovation. New types of collection, applications of new technologies in lab and field, strengthened informatics, digital and information resources, and our reach will enable us to be a key leader within a network of new centres and global partnerships.

My personal research has focussed on revealing and explaining the origins and evolutionary radiation of parasitic worms, particularly amongst the flatworms (Platyhelminthes) and a few nematodes. This has led to research in debilitating diseases of medical and economic importance, biodiversity discovery, parasite ecology and evolution, and diagnostics revealed through molecular systematics.

I now focus my attention on delivering the NHM's Science Plan that underpins the NHM's Strategy (to 2031). I am SRO (Senior Responsible Owner for the delivery of the DCMS funded science and digitisation centre [NHM Unlocked Programme], to be sited at Thames Valley Science Park (2026/27). I still contribute to empirical research where I can.