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
Women of Cold War Scotland
Scotland played a unique role during the Cold War, a 40-year nuclear stand-off between the USA and the Soviet Union. Despite looming conflict, people in Scotland mobilised in a variety of ways in reaction to this changing world. Thousands… - Discover
A 19th century guide to constellations
How well do you know your stars? Learn how to identify constellations like an aspiring astronomer in the 1800s with help from Urania’s Mirror. - Discover
Five aircraft that pioneered commercial aviation
Many have become accustomed to air travel, with the low-cost of airline tickets allowing regular flights to Europe and beyond. It is hard to believe that international air travel began little over a century ago.The first regular…
