Scientists

Charles Robert Darwin transformed the way we understand the natural world with ideas that, in his day, were nothing short of revolutionary.

From zebra-drawn carriages to fancy-dressed fleas, take a peek inside the curious world of Walter Rothschild.

Discover how whales were at the heart of the original proposal for a museum of natural history in Britain.

Meet the Swedish botanist who ventured around the world on Captain Cook's pivotal first voyage.

Meet eighteenth-century naturalist and collector Sir Joseph Banks.

An intrepid explorer and brilliant naturalist, Alfred Russel Wallace co-published the theory of evolution by natural selection with Charles Darwin.

Though visitors can spot his namesake on the iconic gilded ceiling of our Hintze Hall, few will have heard of Graman Kwasimukambe.

Gilbert White's talent and passion for observing and recording nature inspired many future naturalists, including Charles Darwin.

International scientists must overcome many obstacles to obtain research posts in the UK.

Our PhD student Eva researches deep-sea animal biodiversity in the Pacific Ocean.

PhD student Carla on exploring how cyanobacteria survive in the cold temperatures of Antarctic lakes.

Museum plant specialist Ana Claudia researches global biodiversity decline.

The face of modern science is young, black, female and ambitious.

Whether liaising with cannibals or escaping giant spider webs, Cheesman took the challenges of perilous fieldwork - and patriarchal views - in her stride.

TV presenter, author and academic Alice Roberts shares memories of the Museum and how it influenced her fascination with human evolution.

Meet the trailblazer who was one of the first women employed as a scientist by the Natural History Museum.

Our butterfly expert talks about her life, passions and the power of perspectives.

When Patrick started caring for the Museum's fish specimens, he became one of the institution's first black curators.

Women working with Museum collections share what they love about their jobs, and their advice for budding curators.

Brachiopod curator Zoë Hughes celebrates the life and work of one of the Museum's great pioneering geologists.

Dr Helena Bates explains what it’s like to be a researcher of meteorites, how she got into this career and shares advice for budding space experts.

Growing up in the Apollo era of the seventies, Prof Sara Russell fantasised about working on space missions.

Peering into our solar system's origins with light brighter than ten billion suns - discover the work of a planetary scientist.

Learn how Iceland's volcanic terrain is shaping the way scientists explore the surface of Mars.

Dr Susie Maidment shares what it’s like to be a dinosaur researcher, how she got into this career and advice for budding palaeontologists.

Get to know the Museum scientists working on the latest dinosaur discoveries.

Museum Palaeontologist Cassius discusses and promotes inclusivity within science and other workplaces.

Moving a dinosaur is never easy. Watch as Museum conservators pack Dippy the Diplodocus into boxes, one bone at a time.

Dr Helena Bates explains what it’s like to be a researcher of meteorites, how she got into this career and shares advice for budding space experts.

Our butterfly expert talks about her life, passions and the power of perspectives.

Professor Chris Stringer, our longest-serving researcher, is set to be honoured for his contributions to human evolution.

Investing in natural history collections could offer new scientific and economic opportunities.

The asteroids 28994 Helenabates and 31551 Ashleyking are part of the main asteroid belt, a collection of rocky debris left over from the solar system’s beginning.

International scientists must overcome many obstacles to obtain research posts in the UK.

Our South Asian scientists share their research and their favourite specimen.

Justin chats about the challenges involved in getting a PhD placement and maintaining a work-life balance.

Thai PhD student Chawatat investigates the hidden lives of Southeast Asian bumblebees.

Our PhD student Eva researches deep-sea animal biodiversity in the Pacific Ocean.

Explore the stories of the giant redwoods and the extraordinary Cherokee man Sequoyah, who influenced their name.

Museum Palaeontologist Cassius discusses and promotes inclusivity within science and other workplaces.

PhD student Carla on exploring how cyanobacteria survive in the cold temperatures of Antarctic lakes.

Museum plant specialist Ana Claudia researches global biodiversity decline.

Professor Svante Pääbo, considered a founding father of palaeogenomics, has helped to reveal how humans evolved, and how we relate to our closest relatives.

Miranda Lowe has now been recognised for her brilliant work by being awarded a CBE.

The Museum's new, free Women in Science tour tell some inspiring stories of women in science.

A usually inaccessible dinosaur will be available to researchers around the world.

Dr Susie Maidment shares what it’s like to be a dinosaur researcher, how she got into this career and advice for budding palaeontologists.

LGBTQ+ staff share their stories in their own words.

Get to know the Museum scientists working on the latest dinosaur discoveries.

Much of the ocean remains unexplored, but scientists at the Museum are helping unravel the mysteries of the world beneath the waves.

The face of modern science is young, black, female and ambitious.

They include new dinosaurs, an ancient wombat and a giant shark.

When Patrick started caring for the Museum's fish specimens, he became one of the institution's first black curators.

Though visitors can spot his namesake on the iconic gilded ceiling of our Hintze Hall, few will have heard of Graman Kwasimukambe.

Meteorite impacts may have been key to life on Earth.

Brachiopod curator Zoë Hughes celebrates the life and work of one of the Museum's great pioneering geologists.

Women working with Museum collections share what they love about their jobs, and their advice for budding curators.

Female researchers are helping to answer some of the biggest questions about life on Earth.