Discover our research
70+
scientists
250+
publications every year
15+
scientific disciplines
Our scientists study the past and present societies, biodiversity and geology of Africa.
Our scientists base their research on:
- the museum's unique collections
- fieldwork
- world-renowned expertise
- collaborative networks, particularly with African institutions.
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Cultural Anthropology and History
Our scientists study the languages, colonial history, ancient societies, political systems, cultural productions, music, etc. of populations from Africa or with African roots.
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Biology
Our biologists study the biodiversity of various animal groups and help promote the sustainable management of Africa's tropical forests.
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Earth Sciences
Our researchers study mineral resources, geodynamics, surface environments and natural hazards in Central Africa.
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Collections Management
The Royal Museum for Central Africa is internationally renowned for its expert knowledge of Central Africa and its unique and varied collections in the human and natural sciences.
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Science news
Read the latest news on our research.
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Meet our scientists
Discover the work of our scientists through short video interviews.
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Research projects
Read about the projects carried out by the museum's scientists. -
Publications
We have published more than 1,800 books, catalogues, etc. In addition to that, our researchers publish some 300 scientific texts each year.
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Research strategy and ethics
Read about our research principles.
Brochure on our scientific activities and collections:
Brochure on our activities in the DR Congo today:
Science news
When people hear the word ‘landslide’, they often think of the sudden collapse of earth or rock from a mountain. But slow-moving landslides – which can move as little as one millimeter per year and up to a few meters per year – are also a growing threat to people who are pushed to live on steeper slopes because of urban growth and flood risk.
New research from KU Leuven and AfricaMuseum shows that climate change allows disease-carrying freshwater snails to survive in several southern European countries, driving up the risk of catching schistosomiasis, an infectious disease caused by a parasitic flatworm. Scientists want holidaymakers to be aware of the risk before taking a refreshing dip in the river or lake.
On 30 May, the federal citizen science community met at the Royal Meteorological Institute to discuss the role of local communities in scientific research. To engage these communities, scientists need to figure out smart and empathetic approaches – a task that forces researchers to rethink their methods all the time. Six concrete projects showed us different ways that research teams rose to the challenge.