Oxford University Museum of Natural History newsletter

Oxford University Museum of Natural History

We may have closed our doors, but we welcome you into our lively digital community where you’ll find lots to enjoy online. Browse our website and follow our social media channels to stay connected.

From the Museum blog

Darwin's Dockdown reading list

When Charles Darwin set sail on the HMS Beagle in 1831 he had access to a library of over 400 books on the ship. For Darwin Day, 12 February, we explored some of what Darwin read to help him pass the time…

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Rare Jurassic mammal fossil from Scotland is a new species

These mouse-like animals lived in the Middle Jurassic (166 million years ago), and tell us about the evolution of mammals in the time of dinosaurs.

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Events from the Museum

Online event: Wildlife, Warriors & Women

8 March, 8pm

Join us in celebration of International Women’s Day for this interactive talk and Q+A event to hear Dr. Amy Dickman reflect on the essential, driving role that women have played in the conservation of lions and other large carnivores both in communities across Africa and within the dedicated group of female scientists that make up ‘The Pride Alliance’.

Find out more and book

Online event: Drawn to Nature: Plesiosaurs

10 March, 8pm

When the first complete plesiosaur skeleton was found by Mary Anning in 1823, it seemed so bizarre it was initially thought to be a fake. Find out what we know - and still don’t know - about these fascinating fossil animals, before taking a chance to draw your own using the museum’s specimens as inspiration with Q+A’s in this online, interactive science and art workshop.

Make sure to have your art materials to hand!

Find out more and book

Activities from the Museum

Home Sweet Home

Animals have homes of all shapes and sizes. For February half term, we selected two animals and focused on their 'homes’. Find out more and make your very own animal home.

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Shout out for Women in Science

To celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science 2021, we are sharing our web page all about some influential women in science. Museum staff members have chosen and written about a number of notable women that they find inspiring and have shaped science throughout history. Read the profiles of some of the most extraordinary female scientists, written by our Exhibitions Officers.

Find out more about the most remarkable women in science

Jobs at the Museum

Postdoctoral Research Assistant in Computational Palaeobiology,
Grade 7 Fixed Term – 12 Months £32,817 - £40,322.

We are seeking a Postdoctoral Research Assistant to carry out research on the NSFGEO-NERC project “Ancient life in moving fluids: elucidating the emergence of animal ecosystems”. This is a fixed-term position for 12 months, with a proposed start date of June 2021.

Find out more and apply