Faculty of Science
Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research
Opening hours for Public GalleryMondays to Fridays: 9:00am to 5:00pm (GMT+8) LocationRaffles Museum of Biodiversity Research Department of Biological Sciences Tel: +65-6516-5082 |
Overview
Established on 1 October 1998, the RMBR is built on the academic strengths of various faculty and postgraduate researchers of DBS involved in research on various aspects of biodiversity, and the facilities and personnel of the animal and plant collections. CollectionsThe Zoological Reference Collection (ZRC) is internationally reknowned. Formerly called the 'Raffles Collection', the ZRC contains the historical collection of the former Raffles Museum. Today, it is the proud host to one of the largest collection of Southeast Asian fauna in the region containing at least 500,000 catalogued specimens.
Biodiversity ResearchRMBR staff and DBS students conduct research in conservation biology, ecology and systematics that covers the terrestrial, freshwater and marine environments. Numerous surveys, expeditions and collaborative work have been and are being conducted in the Asia-Pacific region. The main aims of this research include the documentation of the various biodiversity components, the elucidation of speciation and evolutionary events for selected groups of organisms, determining the attributes for species extinction and invasiveness, answering key ecological questions pertaining to the tropical rain forest, raising the level of pure and applied research in biodiversity-, conservation biology- and ecology-related aspects among local, regional and international scientists, establishment of regional databases for biodiversity matters and formulation and marketing of environmental guidelines and skills for applying the above knowledge. [top]Public EducationRMBR offers a range of educational workshops and programmes for teachers and students in the area of natural history and ecology. These workshops and programmes leverage on the Museum’s extensive knowledge base in biodiversity research. The approach of these workshops and programmes is interactive and stimulating, with cutting-edge content delivered through engaging hands-on experience. PublicationThe Raffles Bulletin of Zoology (RBZ) is a continuation of the defunct Bulletin of the Raffles Museum, first published in 1928, and subsequently the Bulletin of the National Museum. The RBZ is a leading scientific journal on animal diversity in Southeast Asia, and one of the few publications in the region listed in the Science Citation Index and Current Contents. The RBZ is peer-reviewed and published twice a year, with about two supplements (monographs) issued a year. The editorial board boasts an international group of scientists with many distinguished experts in their respective fields of research. ConsultationThe research strength of the RMBR has achieved a high regional and international reputation with regards to environmental consultation matters. A number of local and international organisations have sought professional assistance with the museum with regards to environmental impact assessments and management options. Raffles Musem FellowshipsRMBR offers a short-term visiting fellow programme which offers research stints of 2–6 weeks in Singapore. This programme endeavours to bring in experts in relevant fields to work with RMBR staff and students to further the cause of Southeast Asian biodiversity research. Fellowships are given on a merit basis, dependent on funds and research areas identified. A long-term fellowship programme of 6–12 months is also available. DatabaseThe specimen catalogues of various floral and faunal groups in the museum have been maintained as handwritten entries in catalogue books. The catalogues are now currently being maintained digitally. Parts of the reptile and amphibian collection, is available online and searchable on Herpnet. The two moss databases available online are East Asian and Malesian. Graduate StudiesGraduate Studies Programme Visitor InformationBoth the public and researchers are welcome to the museum. Details on arranging a visit, and how to get to the museum are available here.
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The Raffles Museum of Biodiversity Research (RMBR) has its origins in the Raffles Museum which was founded in 1849 as a result of an idea mooted by Sir Stamford Raffles, an eminent naturalist. RMBR inherited the natural history collection when the Raffles Museum was renamed the National Museum and is now part of the Department of Biological Sciences (DBS) at the National University of Singapore (NUS). 
Collections
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