The Natural History Museum’s engagement with Brazil

The following is a guest post by Dr. Michael Dixon.

When I first visited Brazil over two years ago as part of a UKTI Creative Industries Trade Mission, I was struck by the breadth of opportunities for the Natural History Museum. So I recently visited the country again and met with government ministries, research funders, museums and companies in Sao Paulo, Brasilia, Rio de Janeiro and Belo Horizonte.

The Natural History Museum is one of the world’s great public museums, combining excellence in curation, scientific research, public engagement and learning. Our collection of over 80 million specimens is one of the largest and most important in the world. We are active in over 70 countries, including in Brazil.

One of the main aims of my recent visit was to determine whether our many existing scientific collaborations with scientists and institutions could grow into a more strategic programme of engagement for the benefit of both countries. I was also keen to meet potential hosts for our touring exhibitions and to see if there was interest in bringing Brazilian exhibitions or events to London.

I was delighted by the positive responses we received and look forward to following-up. Brazil is obviously a biodiversity superpower and there is a lot we can achieve by working together. I believe that culture and science are crucially important in helping understanding between nations and I hope that the Museum can continue to play its part in this regard.

The British Diplomatic Mission in Brazil, working closely with counterparts in the Brazilian Government, helps institutions, such as the Natural History Museum, to achieve stronger co-operation with its collaborators, which in turn, strengthens the connection between both countries. Colleagues in the British Embassy, Consulate, UKTI and British Council were fantastic in supporting my trip and I would like to take this opportunity to thank them for their superb assistance. I look forward to visiting all of our new friends again soon.

Dr. Michael Dixon was trained in zoology Imperial College, followed by postgraduate studies at the University of York. He began his career in scientific, technical and medical publishing at Pitman Books Limited and John Wiley and Sons, where responsibilities included new media development and copyright/licensing issues.

Former Director General of the Zoological Society of London (ZSL), where he reorganised the Society’s structure and introduced a new brand identity to fully reflect their mission. Currently, he is the Museum’s Director, responsible for the general administration of the Museum and is the accounting officer to the Board of Trustees and the Government.