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Center for the Humanities of Nature

Zerstörte Walhalle nach Bombenangriffen im Zweiten Weltkrieg

The Center for the Humanities of Nature brings together scholars and practitioners from the history of science, science and technology studies, the sociology of science and sustainability, cultural studies, museum studies and the arts. They focus on the politics, histories and cultures of nature through original research and public engagements in the field of knowledge transfer. Their objective is to support critical self-reflection within natural history museums and biodiversity sciences, to develop theoretical and practical tools for examining the relations between nature, culture and politics, and to advance novel collaborative knowledge practices. 

The research associates lead and engage in third-party funded research projects, publish articles and books, organise workshops and conferences, provide expert knowledge, curate exhibitions and participate in many national and international networks and associations.

Current thematic focal points encompass the colonial provenance of natural history collection and collecting; the history of collections, exhibitions and museums; the datafication of nature and environments; socio-political contexts of biodiversity; the history and future of museum architectures; and artistic interventions in museum spaces.

The Center for the Humanities of Nature organises a regular colloquium. From 21st November 2024 onwards we focus on Heritage and Justice: Unpacking Legal Narratives in Natural History.

Natural history collections come into existence through a myriad of avenues – colonial extraction, war time plundering, and donations from naturalists and game hunters to name just a few. The legal and ethical justifications for each avenue provide unique insight into how “nature” was turned into a collectable natural history object. What bureaucracies and paper trails exist to establish and protect museum collections? How do modern digital technologies perpetuate or transform concepts of heritage, ownership and access? Are taxidermies, fossils or herbarium specimens legally defined as cultural artifacts and what consequences do these definitions have for indigenous sovereignty and restitution?

The lecture series “Heritage and Justice: Unpacking Legal Narratives in Natural History” brings together international scholars with diverse perspectives across legal, ethical, and professional frameworks. It aims to open up a research field and map the complexities that lie at the intersection of law, ethics, politics, sovereignty, and natural history collections.

The kick-off event will take place on 21st November 2024, 7 pm. 
Tilo Wesche (Carl von Ossietzky University Oldenburg) will present: Who owns nature? On the rights of nature

The lecture will be held in German, the subsequent lecture series Heritage and Justice: Unpacking Legal Narratives in Natural History will be held online and in English. Please register at humanities@mfn.berlin

You can find previous programmes here:

If you would like to receive information about the colloquium or other events, please send us an email. We will be happy to add you to our (Mailchimp) mailing list, unlisting is possible at any time.

Current research projects

Completed research projects