Science news
New results from the world’s first geostationary ocean colour satellite sensor (January 2012)
Geostationary satellites can be pointed permanently at the same point on earth, and can make measurements before or after clouds pass over. For marine scientists using this data, this will be an enormous progress in our ability to monitor the oceans.
Basking shark in Belgian waters (October 2011)
On 21 October 2011, a basking shark presumably has been observed in Belgian waters.
The Goyet Dog (October 2011)
It is common knowledge that dogs descended from wolves. But when, why and how were they domesticated? Mietje Germonpre, paleontologist at our Museum, tells us more about it.
Humpback whale in Belgian waters (October 2011)
On Saturday 1 October, a humpback whale was spotted in our Belgian waters.
A new address for European Natural History Collections (October 2011)
The Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences in Brussels will become the new host for the secretariat office of the Consortium of European Taxonomic Facilities (CETAF).
ViBRANT: a platform for biodiversity research (September 2011)
The Virtual Biodiversity Research and Access Network (ViBRANT in short), brings scientists, societies, students, amateurs ... together to research biodiversity!
Training in Taxonomy and Biology of Ants in Ecuador (August 2011)
To promote the study of ants, our entomologists Wouter Deconinck and Thibaut Delsinne organize a course on ants in Loja (Ecuador) to study their ecology and taxonomy.
Training in Taxonomy 2011-2012 (August 2011)
Grad students in Life Sciences and early career researchers can enroll in a practical training or theoretical course of the Distributed European School of Taxonomy. The Museum participates as well.
Belgian species list (April 2011)
Since almost a year now, people of all ages can access the Belgian Species List for an extensive overview of the biodiversity in Belgium. Animals, plants, fungi: you can make your way through a total of more than 32.000 species!
Falcons for everyone (April - June 2011)
Our Museum's ornithologists are observing a couple of Peregrine falcons nesting in one of the towers of the St. Michael and St. Gudula Cathedral in Brussels Centre. Join them at the special Observation Post, from April 7 until June 7.
New species of antelope discovered (October 2010)
Erik Verheyen, Gontran Sonet and Zoltán T. Nagy, three scientists from the Museum, have, with the team of international researchers they are members of, discovered a new species of antelope.
Biodiversity of Amphipods (September 2010)
Whith the help of their 8 year old son Emrys, scientists Koen Martens and Isa Schön have discovered in Australia a species of ostracod which is normally only found in Europe.
Biodiversity of Amphipods (June 2010)
Amphipods are vital to the ecosystems in our oceans. Cédric d'Udekem d'Acoz, researcher at the Museum, has been studying these fascinating creatures for years.
Another new lizard genus! (February 2009)
Exceptional: another new lizard genus.
Philippe Kok, herpetologist at our Museum, discovers a new lizard genus for the second time...
Peregrine falcons 2008! (March 2008)
They are back! It’s spring and our pair of peregrines are taking up their residence in one of the towers of Saint Michael’s Cathedral. This year, two more pairs have been spotted: in Etterbeek and in Watermaal-Bosvoorde.
The discovery of eight new mouse species! (March 2008)
Promoting and protecting biodiversity is a central mission for our scientists. Their expertise is valuable throughout the world. The newest feature: together with an international team of researchers, Erik Verheyen, molecular biologist, has identified eight new species of mice.
The past along the track (January 2008)
Settlements were discovered at several locations in Wallonia during works on the HST line. The finds date from several periods, going from prehistory to the Modern Era. Together with experts from across the country Dominique Bosquet, one of our Museum’s archaeologists, goes in search of the history of these remains.
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