We are committed to producing high-quality, internationally recognized research in the field of natural history, with a particular focus on biodiversity, systematics, evolutionary history, ecology, and collection-based science. We will assert ourselves in the competition for top-tier research funding.

The collections at the Department of Natural History, including the Ringve Botanical Garden, make up an attractive national and international knowledge resource and need to be administered and further developed with the highest professional and technical standards. The collections, together with modern laboratory and analytical facilities, will create the basis for research at a high international level.

We will be a clear and credible source of knowledge that contributes towards increasing society's understanding of the complexity and value of nature. We will use our specialist expertise, our collections, and our botanical garden to disseminate research, shed light on societal challenges, and promote sustainable social development. All of our publications must be open access.

We will offer future-oriented and research-based education, with a special responsibility for strengthening knowledge of natural history in society. Through collection-based knowledge and professional specialisation, we will inspire new generations to understand and manage biological diversity.

We will be an attractive workplace that is characterized by high professional standards, collaboration, trust and development opportunities. We will have an organisational culture that supports our core tasks — research, collection administration, dissemination, and education—and provides employees with scope for professional and personal growth. Everyone shall contribute to creating a good working environment.

We will work purposefully to develop strong research communities that can hold their own in the competition for research funding. Through the use of modern technology, methodological development, interdisciplinary collaboration, and our unique scientific collections, the Department will be at the forefront of natural history research.

We will be an attractive collaborative partner in national and international research projects. We will utilise the advantage of being part of a university focused on technology and the natural sciences by actively seeking out and strengthening partnerships with relevant research communities.

We will strengthen sustainable development and knowledge-based management through our research.

We will continue to develop our scientific collections as robust and relevant research infrastructure. We will ensure that we have modern laboratory and analytical facilities and make our infrastructure attractive for interdisciplinary research.

We will be a clear voice in public debate. Dissemination shall be an integrated part of the research activities and strengthen the connection between research, collections, and the public.

We will prioritize research-based and practice-oriented education. The quality of our work will be ensured through a strong academic community and continuous development of our expertise.

• Competent employees and the ability to attract highly qualified staff. Academic freedom and a supportive collaborative environment across the museum’s departments.
• Predictable framework conditions for research, operations, and the further development of scientific collections, laboratories, and digital solutions.
• Clear support from management for communicating the day-to-day work of researchers.
• Dedicated employees with educational qualifications and experience. Close collaboration with programme of study coordinators and NTNU’s key educational communities.
• A departmental culture characterized by trust, transparency, and shared responsibility will strengthen the sense of community and promote long-term development.
• An inclusive and collaborative department with clear and transparent leadership, a well-defined division of roles, and active participation.