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Royal Museum for Central Africa (RMCA)
Identification
Hosting Legal Entity
Royal Museum for Central Africa
Location
Leuvensesteenweg 13, Tervuren, PO: 3080.0 (Belgium)
Structure
Type Of RI
Single-sited
Coordinating Country
Belgium
Status
Status
Current Status:
Operational
Timeline
Being upgraded since 2014 to 2017
Operational
Scientific Description
The Royal Museum of Central Africa (RMCA) has the reputation of being one of the world’s most beautiful and impressive museums devoted to Africa. Since its founding in 1898, the Museum’s task has been to preserve and manage its collections, conduct scientific research and disseminate knowledge to the general public through museological, educational and scientific activities.The Museum plays an active role in the sustainable development of Africa and aspires to be a centre for collaboration and reflection on today’s Africa and the challenges it faces.Our collections have great scientific value and are unique in many ways. Large portions of these collections are currently being digitized in order to make them accessible to researchers worldwide.The RMCA also plays a crucial role in numerous international projects and networks to which it contributes expertise and specialized knowledge. RMCA scientists write over 300 scientific publications a year.As a dynamic museum, the RMCA vigorously pursues a policy of mounting frequent temporary exhibitions. The Museum presents, on average, two new exhibitions a year. The RMCA also contributes to approximately 30 exhibitions in Belgium and abroad by loaning pieces or imparting its expertise.

RI Keywords
Cooperation and development, Human sciences, Research center, Earth sciences, Library, Museum, Africa, Belgium, Life sciences, Collections and archives
Classifications
RI Category
Data Mining and Analysis (Methodological) Centers, including statistical analysis
Research Data Service Facilities
Databases
Collections of Biological Resources (e.g. Microorganisms, Biobanks and Seed Banks)
In situ Marine/Freshwater Observatories
Repositories
Distributed Computing Facilities
Research Archives
Data Archives, Data Repositories and Collections
In situ Earth Observatories
Research Bibliographies
Collections
Research Libraries
Reference material repositories
Complex Data Facilities
Natural History Collections
Bio-informatics Facilities
Scientific Domain
Humanities and Arts
Social Sciences
Earth and Environmental Sciences
Biological and Medical Sciences
Chemistry and Material Sciences
Information Science and Technology
Services
Biology

Wood Biology Collection and Data management Invertebrates Vertebrates.

Cultural Anthropology and History

Archives and Collection Management Culture and Society History and Politics Cultural Heritage.

Earth Sciences

Geo-dynamics and Mineral Resources Surface environment and Collection Management Natural Risks PROMINES (Mining).

Equipment
Geological analyses labs

GeochemestryGeomorphologyIsotope Geology.

Information Technology and Access

Practical implementation of international and European Standards in terms of Biodiversity Information in the context of collection management and scientific research in Taxonomical Facilities.Biodiversity Information Standards (tdwg.org).Global Biodiversity Information Facility (gbif.org). Application of GBIF Point-radius method in geo-referencing museum specimens.Introduction to usage of Geographic Information Systems.

Wood analysis Lab

Identification of the botanical taxon of wooden objects of all kinds.

Various equipment

Scanning Electronic microscopeRXFreezer RoomsGPSsRecording studio.

Molecular lab

JEMU (Joint Experimental Molecular Unit) was founded as a joint programme between RBINS and RMCA, employing scientists to sustain current molecular research in addition to the current staff. Microscopy includes a new, environmental scanning electron microscope, FEI XL 30 ESEM. The new apparatus has a number of advantages, such as the possibility to work in wet mode and to record digitised images. Leica Ultracut Ultramicrotome and a Leica EM-KMR-2 Knifemaker TEM are also available along with a Leica EM CPC and a Leica EM AFS2 for cryofixation, cryopreparation and freeze substitution of samples for TEM.

Collaborations
Networks
Global Genome Biodiversity Network (GGBN)
CETAF - Consortium of European Taxonomic Facilities
CoL Catalogue of Life
Global Network for Taxonomy (BioNET)
One Geology
AAA African Archeologists Association
Global Earth Observation System of Systems (GEOSS)
ICOM- International Council of Museums
TDWG (Biodiversity Information Standards)
Open Access Infrastructure for Research in Europe (OpenAIRE)
Date of last update: 23/06/2014
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