In this interview, he approaches us to this Horizon 2020 project, "a university museum that educates, researches and teaches through science and nature".

How did the University's Museum of Natural Sciences come about?
Actually, what we now call the Museum of Natural Sciences is not something new. It includes the collections and donations of animals, plants and minerals that, in a small part, have been exhibited to the public in the Hexagon since 1998.

Many may not know that 95% of the museum's pieces come from the research, conservation and maintenance of the zoological and botanical collections, which have been carried out by the Environmental Biology Department for more than 60 years.

What characteristics does this museum have that make it different from other Natural Science museums?
I would highlight three characteristics of its privileged location that, in my opinion, make it unique and original. First, that it is in Navarra: biological diversity and natural wealth is one of its identifying features, a mosaic of landscapes that are home to countless animal and plant species, and make the territory a complete showcase of nature. Secondly, in a unique campus in Spain, which shows our commitment to the environment, the defense of biodiversity and the care of creation. The campus is much more than a garden, it has to be part of the museum. And thirdly, in a university where the three pillars of the project converge: a university museum that educates, researches and teaches through science and nature.

You talk about the university level, but is this project exclusive to the Faculty of Science?
Not at all. The museum is not just a showcase, it is a university project for research, education and scientific dissemination. One of our first objectives is to continue promoting joint work with other faculties and centers such as the Faculty of Communication, the Faculty of Education and Psychology, the School of Architecture.... We already have an educational program for schoolchildren in conjunction with the Art Museum and we are in contact with teachers of the degree in Design to prepare a new traveling exhibition. In addition, we also want to collaborate with the group of Environmental Volunteers.

What values does the museum want to transmit?
We want to help understand the human being of the 21st century. We believe that the answer can only come from a transdisciplinary approach, which takes into account the relationship of human beings with their environment, the planet they inhabit. The contemplation and admiration of nature leads us to a commitment to the Earth and our fellow human beings. Our mission is also to show that science is at the service of nature and human beings, from a double perspective: the conservation of nature and the defense of biodiversity, and the value of scientific research at the service of society.

How does a natural science museum conduct research?
The museum makes it possible to efficiently exploit the research carried out on existing collections, as well as to better conserve those resulting from future research. The museum allows the identification and description of new species of animals and plants. It is also a repository of "backup copies" of many living beings that cannot be replaced, so that they can be studied even if they disappear. Moreover, collection-based studies have applications in fields such as ecology, identification of threatened organisms, conservation biology, evolutionary studies or those related to the management and conservation of biodiversity or climate change.