As Europe’s network of biological and geological collections, covering 27 countries, CETAF’s strength lies in the collective. Each individual institution contributes to a thriving community of experts whose collections comprise one of Europe’s key research infrastructures.
80 institutions from across Europe are represented by the 46 CETAF members: Europe’s leading natural science museums, natural history museums, botanic gardens and research centres. All CETAF members curate, host and manage biological collections and engage in taxonomic research.
Europe’s richest biological and geological collections
The resources of each of our individual member institutions, in terms of their collections, research facilities, and their scientific, curatorial and technical staff, are our common assets. Together, our resources represent half of the world's biological collections: some 1.5 billion specimens, over 80% of the world’s described species, curated and studied by some 5000 scientists from CETAF institutions.
Bringing experts together
CETAF members dedicate themselves both to the study and preservation of this rich heritage, as well as to raising its visibility through collection-based scientific research and related public engagement. As a community, CETAF develops and supports new research tools, builds capacity for taxonomic research and ensures the flow of knowledge through platforms and channels. We achieve this through our integrated approach to communication and training which supports the network.
Strengthening our collective voice
What we value about our community is the members’ combination of expertise and willingness to share, network and cooperate, both within CETAF and beyond. Membership of CETAF is granted to individual institutions and associations of institutions that are well-positioned to take a stance on national and global policy issues, growing our community’s collective voice.