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Our ten research themes provide a focus for our work so we can find solutions to some of the biggest global challenges.
Projects
Explore our broad portfolio of research, which is supported by our collections, our facilities and partners from across the globe.
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Find out how you can access our world-renowned collections as well as our data, library, labs and other science facilities.
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We offer a range of Masters courses and PhD research projects in partnership with other leading institutions and universities.
News from our scientists
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Science newsBig-eyed conch snails use vision to jump away from predators
Conch snails make death-defying leaps to evade deadly predators.
16 January 2025 -
Science newsDiCaprio’s snake and Sauron’s piranha: Natural History Museum describes 190 new species in 2024
Over the last 12 months our scientists have been describing a dizzying array of new species.
20 December 2024 -
Science newsDebris from ancient explosive volcanoes found at Mars rover landing site
A previously unknown rock type at the new Mars rover landing site is revealing more about the red planet.
13 December 2024 -
Science newsTyrannosaur teeth discovered in southern England reveal Cretaceous dinosaur ecosystem
Spinosaurs, tyrannosaurs and relatives of Velociraptor once stalked England’s south coast.
10 December 2024 -
Science newsTriassic reptile with unusual jaws named as a new species
Threordatoth chasmatos was one of the last survivors of a once-widespread group of lizard-like animals.
6 December 2024 -
Science newsLargest marine reptiles may have been wiped out by hidden Triassic extinction
The whale-sized shastasaurids went extinct over 200 million years ago.
4 December 2024
