The year 1856 in science and technology included many events, some of which are listed here.

Biology

• Gregor Mendel starts his research on genetics

Awards

• Copley Medal: Henri Milne-Edwards
• Wollaston Medal for Geology: William Edmond Logan

Births

• May 6 - Robert Peary (d. 1920), American polar explorer.
• July 10 - Nikola Tesla (d. 1943), inventor.

Deaths

• July 9 - Amedeo Avogadro (b. 1776), chemist.
• August 24 - William Buckland (b. 1784), geologist and paleontologist.
• Francis Beaufort (b. 1774), hydrographer.