Science & Technology
Welcome to the Science and Technology department. We research, maintain and monitor one of the most important collections of scientific and technological material in Europe.
Our collections are open to researchers for examination, and we'd be happy to help you conduct research. Please contact our staff to enquire.
Contact list of staff members
Science & Technology department
Our collections
The Science and Technology collections are broad-based, ranging from scientific instruments made in the eleventh century to cutting-edge developments in renewable energy technologies. Some items are tiny, such as micro-electronic computing components; some are huge, including 73 aircraft. They are held at the National Museum of Rural Life and the National Museum of Flight as well as the National Museum of Scotland and National Museums Collection Centre.
These collections represent not only the development of scientific concepts and technical details but also the historical and cultural significance of science, medicine and technology, and their impact on people and the environment.
What we do
Science and Technology stories
- Discover
The history, art, and legacy of the Flying Scotsman
The Flying Scotsman is the world's most famous train service. Over 100 years since the iconic steam locomotive entered service, we trace its history and legacy. - Discover
Uncovering the history of a thermodynamic model by James Clerk Maxwell
Edinburgh born physicist James Clerk Maxwell created this 3D model to represent the behaviour of an imaginary substance showing its solid, liquid, and gas states. - Discover
Memories of Nobles Amusements
In May 2024, National Museums Scotland recorded local memories of Nobles Amusements in Portobello, Edinburgh.Nobles Amusements has been a source of family entertainment for over a century. In the 1960s it made way for a new era of games…
