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.

Lampreys: Terrifying Alien Monsters or Fascinating Ancient Fishes?
Join the museum’s Noel Alfonso as he answers the question: are lampreys terrifying, underwater monsters, or ancient fishes with an important purpose?
Fluorite by Fire
Join the museum’s Paula Piilonen as she studies Phnom Bayong, a granodiorite mountain in Cambodia that is rich in fluorite.