Research
Collections-based research has the extraordinary ability to reveal how life on Earth is changing - across continents, ecosystems, and generations - in ways nothing else can. By revealing how species respond to global change, how wildlife intersects with ecosystem and human health, and how much biodiversity remains undiscovered, the UMMZ is uniquely positioned to shape the next generation of scientific insight. Support from our friends and colleagues around the world enables curatorial teams, students, and collaborators to pursue bold questions, develop innovative approaches, and expand the global reach of our collections. These resources fuel discovery, hands-on training, and scientific leadership across all six Divisions and our Biorepository every day.
Undergraduate Student Support
Undergraduates play an essential role in the scientific life of the UMMZ. Students work alongside curators and collection managers to learn the skills and competencies required for museum research—specimen preparation, data management, imaging, field methods, and comparative analysis.
Engaging with thousands of species collected from across the world gives students an unparalleled view of life’s diversity. This kind of experience exists only in natural history collections, and it has inspired many students to pursue careers in biology, conservation, and museum science. Your support helps undergraduates access these immersive opportunities and build the foundation for future scientific work.
Graduate Student Support
Graduate students are central to the UMMZ’s research mission, driving new scholarship while building the expertise needed for careers in biodiversity science. Students develop independent research programs, compete successfully for national awards, and present their work across the scientific community.
Because much of our research involves documenting and interpreting global biodiversity, many graduate projects require extended fieldwork. Students spend significant time in the field learning natural history, establishing research sites, designing experiments, and collecting specimens that become enduring parts of the UMMZ’s scientific record. Your support enables students to travel, conduct research safely and effectively, and contribute new knowledge to the museum and the broader field.
Giving
The UMMZ maintains several endowments and gift accounts that directly support our mission. Contributions sustain taxon-focused research, student training, field and laboratory projects, collections development, and public engagement programs. Every gift strengthens our ability to build, study, and share the biodiversity knowledge of our planet.
Gift and Endowment Accounts
