Research

Understanding nature

The State Museum of Natural History Stuttgart is the successor of the 1791 founded Naturaliensammlung. The Naturaliensammlung itself goes back to the 1600 founded ducal cabinet of curiosities. Thanks to the foresightful collection development, the SMNS refers to one of the most meaningful collections in Europe. These precious archives of biodiversity provide the basis for the biosystematic research and are the prerequisite for various exhibitions. Through both aspects – research and presentation – the collections continually grow even today. The link between scientific study and widespread knowledge transfer is our hallmark.

Competence center for biodiversity and integrative taxonomy

Kollage Pflanze, Verbreitungskarte und Grafik

Downloads

Leitlinien (in German)

Research programme

General research domains

The research domains operate under the topic of “Evolution of organisms and ecosystems” and are bundled in six research programmes.

Projects

Tapinoma Project

The ant species Tapinoma magnum, which originates from the Mediterranean region, forms huge super-colonies and is increasingly threatening buildings and infrastructure in Baden-Württemberg and other regions of Germany. The ‘Tapinoma Project’ therefore combines the expertise of the State Museums of Natural History of Stuttgart and Karlsruhe with citizen science to tackle this challenge.

More information about the Tapinoma Project

Eine Ameise der Ameisenart Tapinoma magnum

Research colloquium

Right on the pulse of science: current research from the Natural History Museum Stuttgart as well as from (international) partner institutions is presented at our research colloquium. The colloquium serves the scientific exchange between researchers and all those interested in research. The lectures in English take place regularly every fortnight on Tuesdays at 4 pm at Museum am Löwentor and are transmitted via Zoom. We look forward to active participation on site or online!

What's next

27.05.
Life and Death: Recent insights into the palaeobiology of thalattosuchian crocodylomorphs and their living counterparts
Dr. Michela Johnson, Naturkundemuseum Stuttgart

Research colloquium

Conferences

Conference archive

Research departments

Technical Infrastructure

Numerous specifically equipped laboratories, workshops, and preparation facilities form an important prerequisite for conserving the existing collections and supporting scientific research.

To our laboratories