Establishment

Over the 120 years since the foundation of Hokkaido University in 1876 (Meiji 9), many scientists of the university have studied and collected materials. As a result of their efforts, today we are able to take pride in a collection of over 4,000,000 individual items, and about 11,000 type specimens.

From 1966 (Showa 41) the University had been discussing the best way to store and manage the collection and make materials available for practical use. Given the progress of relocation plans for the Faculty of Science, the idea was floated by the Committee established to reuse some of this new space for the museum. The Committee presented a plan for reusing the building with 9,000 m² reserved for the museum in future. In 1999, part of the Faculty of Science building (3,000 m²) was repaired and the museum was opened.

Purposes

The purposes of The Hokkaido University Museum are as follows;

1. To study, collect, classify, order, and catalogue scientific materials systematically and to keep them institutionally.
2. To make a data-base of the materials, to present the information of the Museum and to build up information networks in the University and furter more with other museums.
3. To arrange interface functions to promote the use of the materials, efficiency of accessibility to the materials, and the facilitation of international scientific research and study.
4. To exchange materials and information, and to provide support systems to promote international scientific research and study.
5. To allow practical opportunities for study to students and citizens through exhibitions, and to provide facilities for education, instruction and conferences.
6. To educate students who wish to be curator, and create new museology.

Section of Fundamental and Curatorial Studies

The staff members carry out curatorial studies. They also make supplementary researches for the collected items, while planning to make the collection better through sampling in the field, exchanging items with other museums, etc.

PROFESSOR:
TAKAHASHI, Hideki, D. Sc., Plant Systematics and Phytogeography

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR:
AMANO, Tetsuya, M. Litt., Studies of the Okhotsk and the Satsumon (Pre-Ainu) Cultures, Social Impacts of Metallurgy in Traditional Societies

INSTRUCTOR:
KOBAYASHI, Yoshitsugu, Ph.D.(Geology and Geophysics), Vertebrate Paleontology (Archosaurs)

Section of Developmental and Utilizing Studies

The staff members carry researches on reproduction and repair of the Museum's collections. They also use modern technology and analytical methods to get new information from the collected items.

PROFESSOR:
MATSUEDA, Hiroharu, D. Sc., Ore Genesis and Mineralogy, Stable Isotope Geochemistry

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR:
IMAMURA, Hisashi, D. Fish. Sc., Ichthyology (Phylogeny and Taxonomy)

Section of Informatics and Media Studies

The staff members carry investigations on the methods and exhibit obtained information effectively. The results can be applied to educations and scientific studies.

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR:
OHARA, Masahiro, D. Agr., Systematics and Biogeography of Coleopterous Insect in Asia

INSTRUCTOR:
ABE, Tsuyoshi, D. Sc., Systematics of Marine Benthic Algae

KOMATA, Yuuki, Ph.D.Eng., Structural Biology, Multimedia Utilization in Museum