Institute of Natural Sciences

We are

A group of experts, researchers and government advisers supported by a modern research infrastructure
The third-largest natural sciences collection in Europe and a major Belgian heritage institution
One of the most visited museums in Belgium

Research

The Institute of Natural Sciences does research in a wide range of disciplines: from biology, taxonomy and oceanography to geology, palaeontology and anthropology.

Policy support

Linking research to policy and action is central to the mission of the Institute of Natural Sciences.

Collections & Data

Overview of our natural sciences collections. They are the result of many decades of exploration and research and are used to answer questions about the past, present and future of our planet.

Museum

For the general public, the museum is the visible part of the Institute of Natural Sciences. The Dinosaur Gallery is world-famous and the largest in Europe.

In 1846, there weren’t even ten people in the team. Today, we are 400 scientists, administrative staff and technicians working together to bring people closer to nature. But in 175 years, our team hasn't just grown; our profiles, structure and partnerships have also changed radically.