Research and Collections

Collections-Based Research to Understand the Natural World

The Canadian Museum of Nature is a scientific leader in species discovery and Arctic research.

Our multidisciplinary team of scientists conduct leading-edge research in the natural sciences.

Animals, fossils, minerals, plants and algae—more than 14.6 million specimens are preserved in Canada's natural-history collection.

Access data from the museum's collections: search, map results, and download data and images. Search our collections.

Let us use our natural-history and collection-care expertise to help you with your needs.

The museum is a national leader and an important international contributor in the field of collection-based scientific research.

The museum's multidisciplinary team specializes in collection-based research in the life sciences and Earth sciences.

Check out this view on Arctic-related activities, events, research, etc. at the museum.

The library and archives are open by appointment. Search our catalogue online.

The museum's science experts regularly publish their work in scientific journals.

Mineral Identification: When Your Eyes Are Not Powerful Enough
Join the museum’s Glenn Poirier as he explores the different ways mineralogists practice mineral identification.
More Than Words: Living with Ice in the Arctic
Join the museum’s Scott Rufolo as he outlines the importance of ice in shaping the lives and cultures of the early inhabitants of the Canadian Arctic.