Museum of Natural History of the City of Geneva
(+41) 22 418 63 00
Dr Michelle Price (Geneva Botanical Garden), Curator, +41 (0)22 41 5148, michelle.price@ville-ge.ch
Dr Jean Mariaux, Curator of the Department of Invertebrates, Parasitology systematics +41 (0)22 418 6343, jean.mariaux@ville-ge.ch
Dr Alice Cibois, Ornithologist, Departement of Mammology and Ornithology, +41 (0)22 418 6302
Jacques Ayer, +41 (0)22 418 6321, jacques.ayer@ville-ge.ch, palaeontology, dinosaurs, palaeoenvironments, museology
City of Geneva --> Culture and Sport Department --> Direction of Geneva Natural History Museum Direction board: Jacques Ayer (Dir. gen), Pierre-Henri Heizmann (administrator), Hervé Groscarret (Head of the Public and Exhibitions Unit), Head of Research and Collections Unit (position currently open)
Permanent (P) | Non – Permanent (NP) | |
---|---|---|
a) TOTAL scientific staff | 36 | 5 |
b) Scientific staff linked to Collections | 36 | |
c) Post-docs / PhD students | 2 | |
d) Others (Associates, etc.) | 13 | |
TOTAL (a+b+c+d) | 36 | 20 |
Permanent (P) | Non – Permanent (NP) | |
---|---|---|
a) TOTAL other staff | ||
b) Scientific staff linked to Collections | ||
c) Post-docs / PhD students | ||
d) Others (Associates, etc.) | ||
d) Others (Associates, etc.) |
- Molecular genetics laboratory (DNA extraction - PCR-Sequences
- Microscopy laboratory (electron microscope, Raman spectroscopy and cathodoluminescence microscope)
Revue Suisse de Zoologie (two issues per year) Revue de Paléobiologie (two issues per year)
Typology | Primary types | Individual specimens/objects | % registered cards | % recorded cards in database | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
1.1 | Palaeontology | 10000 | 200000 | ||
1.2 | Mineralogy | 1900 | 15000 | 14000 | 13000 |
1.3 | Geology | 5000 | |||
1.4 | Meteorites | 2000 |
Typology | Primary types | Individual specimens/objects | % registered cards | % recorded cards in database | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
2.1 | Zoology | 50000 | 15000000 | 150000000 | 3000000 (depends on the kind of speciemens (10-20% invertebrates, 100% vertebrates) |
The Geneva Natural History Museum manages qn important collection of history of science (instruments)
Monographs (50,000), Scientific Periodics (2,000), Scientific Publications (200,000), Maps (4,000)
The Geneva Natural History Museum manages one of the largest library in the world in Chiropterology
Occasionally with other Museums or Universities around the world. We have the project to build in our Museum the national DNA Bank of all species (animals) living in Switzerland (SwissBol: http://www.swissbol.ch/swissbol/home/das-projekt-swissbol.html)

Annual reports https://www.ville-ge.ch/mhng/rapport_annuel.php
We published this year an important report about our Museum strategy called "Museum Geneve 2020" https://www.ville-ge.ch/mhng/pdf/psc_museum_geneve_2020.pdf
Pascal Moeschler, +41 (0)22 418 6347, pascal.moeschler@ville-ge.ch
250000-300000
We work closely with the Department of Education of Geneva
Many of our curators are also teaching at Geneva University and/or supervise Bachelor, Master or PhD students
- Objectif Sciences International, www.objectif-sciences-international.org/ - Collaborations in science education projects, specially in the field
- Guided tours on demand - school activities (about 20,000 people/year) - Faites comme chez nous: a special exhibition to learn the job of our scientists
Laurent Vallotton, +41 (0)22 418 6337, laurent.vallotton@ville-ge.ch
1. Research on Systematic Zoology and taxonomy 2. DNA Barcoding 3. Collection Management
Research on Systematic Zoology and Conservation
DNA Barcoding
Collection management and biodiversity data information facilities
Lobbying and fundraising
ICOM (www.icom.museum)