Nature Research Center

The Nature Research Center (NRC) is the new 80,000-square-foot wing of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. Its goal is to bring research scientists and their work into the public eye, help demystify what can be an intimidating field of study, better prepare science educators and students, and inspire a new generation of young scientists. Meg Lowman is the Director of the Nature Research Center. he Nature Research Center features research labs where scientists from the Museum, University of North Carolina system schools, the Department of Environment & Natural Resources, or visiting scientists from industry or agency partners conduct their research while visitors observe “science in action” through floor-to-ceiling glass walls.A main visitor experience will be Meet the Scientist at the Windows on Research areas, casual seating spaces that allow scientists from the labs to have direct interactions with visitors.