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.

Like a Box of Chocolates: Museum Discovers Five New Diatom Species
Join museum volunteer Joe Holmes as he unveils five new diatom species recently discovered in Canada.
Tiny lichens of great value
Join Philip Bell-Doyon and the museum’s Troy McMullin as they introduce readers to calicioids, a diverse group of tiny, pin-like lichens and fungi.