Biodiversity Research
Irish Cetacean Genetic Tissue Bank
Irish whales and dolphins that get stranded around our shores are being sampled in order collect DNA. This helps to understand cetacean populations in our waters. The work is done in partnership with the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group.
Visit the Irish Cetacean Genetic Tissue Bank
NetVec Ireland - Network for Insect Vectors in Ireland
This is a DAFM-funded research project managed by scientists in University College Dublin and the South East Technological University, with input from the National Museum of Ireland. NetVec Ireland is investigating the current distribution of blood-feeding insects in Ireland, particularly biting midges and mosquitos.
Visit the NetVec Ireland website
Past Projects
CoBiD – Collections-Based Biology in Dublin
This was a collaboration with staff of the School of Biology and Environmental Science of University College Dublin. The museum and university staff provided a course for final year students that included museum curation and research. The project saw the cataloguing of 40,000 specimens, and improved access to collections for researchers. The college course and our work with adult education won the Best Access and Outreach Initiative in the Museum of the Year Awards 2004.
Invertebrate Ireland Online
This was a collaboration with staff of the Ulster Museum and a number of other partners. Our aim is provide online checklists for the invertebrate fauna of Ireland. These lists summarise the species of insects, spiders, slugs and other small animals that make up the majority of our island fauna.
Visit Invertebrate Ireland Online
Taxidermy Restoration
Since 2003 staff have been working with a taxidermy company to restore exhibits in the Natural History Museum.
View the work of Bouten & Zoon on their website