Volunteering at ANIC

The Australian National Insect Collection Volunteer Scheme

Our Volunteer Scheme began in 1998. Since more than 150 people have spent more than 75 000 hours helping staff with a range of curation and research related activities at the Australian National Insect Collection (ANIC).

ANIC Volunteers are a diverse group of people from different backgrounds. Some volunteers have left the workforce and are spending some of their retirement volunteering at ANIC. For others volunteering at ANIC has helped them gain experience and find paid work. Some come to the ANIC with an interest and knowledge of entomology or biological sciences; others are looking for an opportunity to learn something completely new.

Apply to become an ANIC volunteer

Acceptance into our volunteer program also depends on successful application and one month trial. We encourage all interested people to apply. If you live elsewhere or you are not interested in working on the physical collections, but are still keen on contributing into the program of the National Research Collections Australia, please read below about becoming a Virtual Volunteer.

Become a Virtual Volunteer

All you need to become a virtual volunteer are a computer, an Internet connection and a passion for Australia’s unique biodiversity.

Virtual volunteer positions are offered by museums and research collections and do not require any particular knowledge of the collection. You could find yourself transcribing field diaries from the nineteenth century or transcribing specimen labels from collections.

You will be making a major difference for Australia's digital collections while getting to view collection specimens and materials and expanding your knowledge of data curation and collection management.

To get involved visit DigiVol on the Atlas of Living Australia.

There are also opportunities to volunteer as a NRCA Digital volunteer.