SwissCollNet - The Swiss Natural History Collections Network

SwissCollNet is a national initiative dedicated to mobilising and providing open access to specimen data from natural history collections across Switzerland. By promoting data harmonisation and standardisation, the initiative aims to ensure interoperability among key institutions such as natural history museums, botanical gardens, and universities.

At the heart of the initiative is the creation of a central online portal – the Swiss Natural History Collection (SwissNatColl) – offering unified access to standardised and quality-controlled specimen data. This portal enables researchers and the public to easily explore and utilise Switzerland’s rich natural heritage.

Targeted investments are being made to organise, integrate, modernise, and digitise collections within Swiss natural history institutions. Public and non-profit institutions holding natural history collections were invited to submit project proposals, resulting in 68 funded projects. Grant recipients were required to match the funding through financial or in-kind contributions of equal value.

In parallel, a national data infrastructure was developed to aggregate and publish digital information on collections and specimens from Swiss institutions.

Additionally, the Swiss natural history community has undertaken a nationwide collection inventory by collecting metadata on their collections and has published a national strategy for the future of natural history collections in Switzerland (2025-2035).

Participants of SwissCollNet regularly share their achievements and expertise through conferences, workshops, and publications.