Natural History Museum - The female scientists you need to know about

Meet past and present pioneering women of natural history Female scientists are a vital part of the Museum's history. Their skills and vision have contributed to groundbreaking discoveries and a world-leading collection of more than 80 million specimens, but not all of their stories have endured. We're celebrating some of these remarkable women's stories.

The unsung pioneers

Evelyn Cheesman: the woman who walked She confronted cannibals, giant spider webs and patriarchal views. Entomologist Evelyn Cheesman knew a thing or two about resilience.

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Mary Anning: the unsung hero of fossil discovery She was overlooked by her male peers, but Mary made some of the most astounding fossil discoveries ever known in Britain. Find out more > Dorothea Bate: the pioneer paleontologist Dorothea Bate had no formal qualifications when she travelled to the Natural History Museum in London to demand a job. Find out more > Women in science and research Inspiring women in science Female scientists at the Museum share how they began their careers, what they love about their jobs and how budding scientists can follow their dreams. Find out more > Caring for the collections Read the stories of female curators and conservators who watch over the Museum's collection of 80 million specimens.  Find out more >