The Swedish Museum of Natural History is a major research institute that combines a venerable tradition with modern working methods. NRMs invaluable collections of more than 10 million biological, paleontological and geological specimens constitute an amazing archive of the natural world. The collections have a broad taxonomic, temporal and spatial span and comprise many types and unique collections. State-of-the-art equipment and dedicated laboratories enable high-quality research on the collections and in related areas, including genetic analyses of ancient DNA and elaborate geological and geochemical analyses. The scientific relevance of NRM’s research in biological and geological diversity is nationally and internationally outstanding. The combination of scientifically important collections, excellent expertise and advanced analytical equipment creates a stimulating environment that attracts annually several hundred international visiting scientists. NRM is and has been actively involved in many EC-funded research and training projects. It is one of the largest partners in SYNTHESYS since its beginning in FP6. NRM regularly hosts Marie Sklodowska Curie fellows. The museum has taken a prominent role in collaborative initiatives in Europe and globally, such as CETAF, GBIF, FishBase, CBOL and IUCN, and in the national Infrastructures LifeWatch, Vega Centre and NORDSIM. There is dedicated administration staff that assists grant holders with project contractual and financial management and reporting. NRM scientists also participate in teaching at universities, graduate schools and NGO organisations, which provides excellent outreach platforms. Currently, around 40 graduate students from both Swedish and foreign universities are supervised by NRM staff.

Environmental Specimen Bank

The ESB has one of the oldest and greatest collections of environmental specimens in the world. The oldest samples are collected in the mid-1960s, and for some species continuous series of samples from the late 1960s up to now are stored.The ESB has at its disposal tissue samples from more than 260,000 organisms, mostly from animals but also from plants (moss). The majority of the samples are stored at -30 °C and -80 °C. Some types of samples are stored dry at room temperature.

Collection Size

260000 specimens of animals and

Collection Coverage

Usage restrictions

Head of the project is obliged to mention the origin of the samples (Environmental Specimen Bank, Swedish Museum of Natural History) in publications and send a sample of the publication/report, without no expense, to Swedish Museum of Natural History, Ylva Lind

Access rights

Specimens from the ESB are available for research work into environmental contamination and bio-diversity. Samples will be supplied if the aim of the research falls within the scope of the ESB. Each order will be assessed in relation to the supply and demand of samples. Clients will be charged for the preparation of samples.

Curation details

McGinley Conservation statuses

Institution Codes