Natural Sciences Research and Collections
Research
Scientists from the Bishop Museum are studying the natural world from the bottom of the ocean to the tops of the highest volcanoes.
Some like Drs. Richard Pyle and Ken Longenecker (right) are helping to understand the ocean's "twilight zone" - the depth at which light from the sun starts to fade into darkness.
Others, like Dr. Allen Allison (left) and Dr. Shelley James, study reptiles and plants in New Guinea, trying to learn more about biodiversity in island communities.
Researchers deposit voucher specimens into our biological collections, communicate their findings in professional journals, and present their research to the public through short presentations on the Museum’s campus, and at special public events such as Family Sundays.
Have you found a plant or animal in your house or on a hike or swim and would like to know what it is? Ask A Scientist from Bishop Museum about the flora and fauna of Hawai‘i and the Pacific.
Collections
The Bishop Museum’s biological collections are split into 7 separate sections: Entomology (insects), Botany (plants), Vertebrate Zoology (animals), Invertebrate Zoology, Ichthology (fish), Malacology (shells) and the Pacific Center for Molecular Biodiversity (DNA). Much of the material in these collections was accumulated by researchers around the Pacific over the past century, including many Bishop Museum staff. Each collection continues to grow as researchers study the natural world and deposit voucher specimens at the Bishop Museum. Once specimens are accepted and accessioned by collections managers upon arrival to the museum, staff curate and install specimens into the permanent storage spaces. Some specimens are showcased in semi-permanent or temporary exhibits throughout the museum. In special cases, guided back-of-house collections tours are given to groups or individuals based on time and availability of collections staff. Specimens are also available for research by scientists and qualified personnel.