Mission

The Natural Science Collections Alliance is a Washington, D.C. based non-profit association that supports natural science collections, their human resources, the institutions that house them, and their research activities for the benefit of science and society.

Our members are part of an international community of museums, botanical gardens, herbaria, universities and other institutions that house natural science collections and utilize them in research, exhibitions, academic and informal science education, and outreach activities.

Membership in the NSC Alliance links you to a network of institutions, scientists and other professionals in North America through which you can share news, information and common concerns — and help shape the future of our community.

Membership Benefits

Meetings

The NSC Alliance periodically meets in conjunction with other organizations, such as the Society for the Preservation of Natural History Collections or iDigBio. In 2019, the NSC Alliance launched its Collections Policy and Advocacy meeting in Washington, DC. Also in 2019, the NSC Alliance entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Florida and iDigBio to become an organizer and partner in future Digital Data for Biodiversity conferences. Members of the NSC Alliance also enjoy affiliate membership in the American Institute of Biological Sciences which allows NSC Alliance member representatives to participate in annual AIBS Council Meetings.

Washington Report

NSC Alliance members receive the electronic Washington Report. This valuable resource published monthly provides current news about policy developments that impact the natural science collections community. These reports alert NSC Alliance members to opportunities to influence policymakers.

Advocacy

Through the Collections Policy and Advocacy meeting, NSC Alliance members shape and advance initiatives that advance the interests of the collections community. Additionally, NSC Alliance members have the opportunity to participate in science briefings for lawmakers in Washington, DC, and to interact with policymakers in their home state through an annual Congressional District Visits event.