The joint meeting of the Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections (SPNHC) and the International Council of Museums Committee for Museums and Collections of Natural History (ICOM NATHIST) will take place from the 7th – 13th June 2020 in Edinburgh, Scotland, UK. The theme for the meeting is ‘The Role of Natural History Collections in Global Challenges’
National Museums – A Centre of Global Excellence
The vision of George Wilson, the first director of what is now the National Museum of Scotland, was for “a museum of the world in relation to Scotland”. This statement, delivered two years after the museum was founded in 1854 is as true today as it was then.
Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh
RBGE’s extensive Herbarium numbers nearly three million specimens representing half to two thirds of the world’s flora. These specimens have been collected during a period of over 300 years, from nearly every country in the world. In addition to dried plants the Herbarium houses a spirit collection of more than 7,000 specimens.
SPNHC
The Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections [SPNHC] is an international society whose mission is to improve the preservation, conservation and management of natural history collections to ensure their continuing value to society.
ICOM
The International Council Of Museums is the global organisation of museums and museum professionals committed to the conservation of the world’s natural and cultural heritage. ICOM was created in 1946 and is a non-governmental organisation maintaining formal relations with UNESCO. It also raises awareness of international issues such as combating illicit trade, intangible heritage and restitution.
ICOM NATHIST
The Committee for Museums and Collections of Natural History of the International Council of Museums (ICOM NATHIST) comprises about 400 institutions and individuals across the world. ICOM NATHIST supports the collection, preservation, research and interpretation of diverse biological, paleontological and geological collections, the scientific study of the world’s natural heritage and natural environments, and the engagement of schools and the broader public in these and related subjects.