CETAF57 in Luxembourg brought many important things to CETAF. Among these, one of the most outstanding and exciting achievements was the admission of two new CETAF member institutions: the Staatliches Museum für Naturkunde Karlsruhe (Germany) and the Norwegian University of Science and Technology University Museum, Trondheim (Norway).
Previously, we presented the State Museum of Natural History Karlsruhe, and now it is the turn to the Norwegian University of Science and Technology University Museum. . To follow up, here it is the chat we had with Torbjørn Ekrem and Emily Hartop in order to know deeper into their incorporation into CETAF.
How will you describe you Institution?
The Department of Natural History at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) conducts research, education, and public outreach in biodiversity science. As part of a broader mission, it manages extensive scientific collections. It also conducts interdisciplinary studies that enhance understanding of the natural world.
In addition, we play a vital role in documenting and preserving Norway’s natural heritage; at the same time, we contribute to global knowledge in the natural sciences. Historically, our museum has a rich history, starting with Bishop Johann Ernst Gunnerus who co-founded the predecessor to our museum in 1760.
Today, we are a modern natural history institution. Furthermore, the museum engages in international collaborative research across many fields of biodiversity science, including community ecology, molecular systematics, evolutionary genomics, integrative taxonomy, and museomics.
Which is the highlight, the main feature that characterize your institution?
Versatile and high quality research with focus on natural history collections
Which are the main collections hosted?
Totally 1.8 M objects including 1 111 K animals, 8.5 K geological objects, 566 K plants, 4150 primary types. 90.5% of the collection is digitized.
Why did you decide to join CETAF?
To be a more integrative, collaborative partner in the European taxonomic community.
What do you expect from this community?
Collaboration in projects that develops the field of taxonomy and other collection based research.
Which are the main challenges we have to face in the near future as taxonomic community?
To register life before it disappears.