Our Present We provide access to one of themmost important natural history collections in the world. Documenting 4.5 billion years of the solar system and life on Earth, the collection contains more than one million ‘type’ specimens that are used to define species – more than any other natural history collection in the world. We are also home to an extensive library of written and illustrative natural history materials and the collection continues to grow, most recently with the new molecular and digital holdings. The collection’s continuing development along with its unique historical, geographical and taxonomic extent, makes it an immensely powerful took to explore the science of nature. The world’s scientific community draws extensively on the NHM and its expertise. As we enter a new age of scientific discovery, our collection and research are playing an increasingly important role in making new discoveries and testing new theories. Together with the universities, research institutes and museums around the world, we are bringing scientific disciplines together to discover new biological and mineral species, highlight the impact of climate change on natural systems that support life, combat the loss of biodiversity and the spread of diseases, explore new sources of scarce minerals and reveal the evolution of our own and other species. We lead the world in examining the natural world and, with our research partners tackle questions of fundamental importance to science and society. We also provide outstanding education, training and learning opportunities. We host school groups from across the UK and develop teaching and learning materials and experiences to support the national curriculum. At more advanced levels, we train postgraduate students, deliver a wide range of specialist training courses, and play a lead role in major European training programmes. Our diverse and accessible public programmes also successfully engage families and adult learners.
Overall, the NHM inspires people about the natural world across generations and across the globe. Over five million people visit us in London and Tring, Hertfordshire each year. We reach millions more around the world through our touring exhibitions, websites, apps and social media. Through our programme of exhibitions and events, we act as a forum for debate on contemporary challenges to society and the natural world and we pioneer new ways to engage people with the nature, history and science.
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