Press Center

Browse the latest news from the Academy’s Press Office.

Latest Releases

Chromis damselfish from the Maldives.
California Academy of Sciences Describes 138 New Species in 2024

More than a dozen Academy scientists—along with several international collaborators—described the new additions.

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Mark Ruffo, headshot
California Academy of Sciences Announces New Chief Advancement Officer

Mark Ruffo brings more than 20 years of experience in fundraising, operations, advocacy, and marketing.

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A photo shows thousands of monarch butterflies settled on tree trunks.

“The Forest Of The Monarchs,” a photo of the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Michoacán, Mexico, taken by National Geographic Explorer Jaime Rojo won the 2024 BigPicture Grand Prize.

2025 BigPicture: Natural World Photography Competition is now open

World-renowned international photo awards spotlight awe-inspiring perspectives on wildlife and conservation

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Academy Building
Letter to the Academy Community

Post-election letter to the Academy community from Executive Director Scott Sampson

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All Releases

Wilsons warbler from the recent mass migratory bird die-off. © megolith
Science & Sustainability
Global nature observation network iNaturalist surpasses 50 million wild plant and animal observations
September 21, 2020

Global nature observation network iNaturalist surpasses 50 million wild plant and animal observations.

Sarah Jacobs joins the Academy as our newest botany curator
Science & Sustainability
The California Academy of Sciences welcomes new botany curator
September 15, 2020

Sarah Jacobs, western flora specialist, joins the Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability.

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The Academy welcomes Derek Mitchell to its Board of Trustees

The Academy welcomes Derek Mitchell to its Board of Trustees

Leadership
The Academy welcomes new member to its Board of Trustees
July 22, 2020

The Academy welcomes Derek Mitchell to its Board of Trustees.

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Academy Chief Philanthropy Officer Mary Nemerov
Leadership
The California Academy of Sciences appoints Mary Nemerov as new Chief Philanthropy Officer
July 13, 2020

The California Academy of Sciences appoints Mary Nemerov as new Chief Philanthropy Officer.

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Aerial photo of the California Academy of Sciences and the Music Concourse
Leadership
A Statement from the Academy's Executive Director Dr. Scott Sampson
June 4, 2020

The Academy condemns the killing of George Floyd—and acknowledges that anti-racism must begin in our own house.

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Museum exterior
Leadership
An Update from the Academy’s Executive Director Dr. Scott Sampson
May 26, 2020

An update shared with Academy staff on May 26, 2020.

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BigPicture 2020 Grand Prize Winner

"Hare Ball" by photographer Andy Parkinson, BigPicture 2020 Grand Prize Winner

Science & Sustainability
Winning images from the Academy's annual BigPicture photography competition announced
May 4, 2020

Stunning images of Earth and its lifeforms represent the best nature and wildlife photographers in the world.

North Philippine Temple Pitviper seen during City Nature Challenge
Science & Sustainability
City Nature Challenge tallies over 815,000 wildlife observations
May 4, 2020

41,000+ citizen scientists—some while sheltering in place—provided important urban biodiversity observations.

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