Abstract

The research potential of natural history collections depends upon what is in the collection, the tools available, and of course the questions being addressed. With a diversity of modern techniques providing new opportunities to work with old collections, we have been interested in determining how to better engage in disease research, particularly concerning human, livestock and wild animal health. Building on our systematic and taxonomic strengths we can increasingly look towards applying our knowledge and new techniques to environmental, pathological and even fossil samples, as well as finding new ways to make use of our existing dry and wet collections. Enhancing our collections strategically, both through the application of new techniques as well as acquiring new specimens in new ways is a constant challenge but best informed by working with those who may need access to the information we hold, or can acquire. Most importantly, to remain relevant, we must constantly gauge what we should be collecting now, for the future. An introduction to these challenges and opportunities will be framed for those with veterinary interests.