Collections

Exchanges and cooperation for the development of biological collections.

In 2000, the RBINS won the European title " Great Research Infrastructure” given to only 6 Natural history Museums in Europe. Access to Belgian Collections has invited 75 researchers from Europe and Associated States to study the Institute's scientific collections (2001-2004).

Through the SYNTHESYS project funded by the European Commission under the 6th FP (2004-2009), now continued till 2013 under FP7 access is offered to the collections of 20 European natural history institutions. The call for proposals takes place each October.
Information: SYNTHESYS.
Contact: SYNTHESYS2@naturalsciences.be

Alongside thirty or so scientific organisations running collections, the RBINS was selected by the EC to develop a huge electronic network to access biodiversity resources (ENBI: European Network for Biodiversity Information).

With the third most important zoological collection in Europe the RBINS has joined the network of large institutions, CETAF (*) (Consortium of European Taxonomy Facilities), to harmonise collection, classification, conservation, digitalisation and access practices and so let the Belgian heritage express the "common heritage of humanity."