Press Center

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

Featured Releases

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Two children view the colorful Academy in Action exhibit kiosk.

The new Academy in Action exhibit spotlights the flora, fauna, research and regeneration work in the Academy's three regeneration initiatives.

New Academy in Action exhibit brings California Academy of Sciences’ global regeneration initiatives to life

Multimedia kiosk spotlights biodiversity research and conservation across islands, coral reefs, and California.

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A gaze of raccoons (six visible) perks up as a car peels by in Golden Gate Park. They are illuminated against a dark backdrop.

A gaze of raccoons perks up as a car peels by in Golden Gate Park. This image and five others were included in the photo story “Cities Gone Wild” by Corey Arnold, who won the 2023 BigPicture Grand Prize.

2024 BigPicture: Natural World Photography Competition is now open

In its 11th year, the competition focuses a visual lens on the extraordinary wonders of the natural world.

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An aerial complete shot of the California Academy of Sciences, featuring views of Golden Gate Park, a rolling hill.

California Academy of Sciences welcomes new Academy Fellows. (© 2008 Tim Griffith)

California Academy of Sciences Welcomes 14 New Fellows, Bestows Two Prestigious Awards

The Academy announces its newest class of Fellows, comprised of distinguished scientists and researchers.

Milky Way’s evolution in reverse, spanning three billion years
New planetarium film, Spark: The Universe in Us, opens November 10 at the California Academy of Sciences

Narrated by Diego Luna, original all-digital production visualizes never-before-seen celestial events.

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Releases

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Academy announces promotion of Leah Van der Mei to COO.

As the Chief Operating Officer and Head of Government Affairs, Van der Mei is responsible for infrastructure, guest and building operations, and technology for the Academy.

Leadership
California Academy of Sciences Promotes Leah Van der Mei to Chief Operating Officer and Head of Government Affairs
February 9, 2023

Academy’s first Black COO brings track record expanding inclusion.

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Artist Walter Kitundu poses as shopkeeper with his installation Leo na Kesho, in the Academy's African Hall.

Artist Walter Kitundu poses as shopkeeper with his installation Leo na Kesho, in the Academy's African Hall.

Exhibits
Artist Walter Kitundu brings modern day Tanzania to California Academy of Sciences’ African Hall with immersive installation Leo na Kesho (today and tomorrow)
February 2, 2023

Exhibit interrupts a familiar presentation of biodiversity, injects a view into modern, urban life in Africa.

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Academy Curator of Ichthyology Luiz Rocha
Science & Sustainability
Academy Curator Luiz Rocha elected as 2022 AAAS Fellow
January 31, 2023

Prestigious fellowship recognizes extraordinary achievements in the academic and social advancement of science.

Gecko, Bavayia jourdani
Science & Sustainability
Academy scientists describe 146 new species in 2022
December 20, 2022

From mountain peaks to coral reefs, these new discoveries grow Earth's tree of life.

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California Academy of Sciences museum building in Golden Gate Park
Leadership, Science & Sustainability
California Academy of Sciences Statement on the Historic Biodiversity Deal Agreed Upon at COP15
December 20, 2022

Academy Executive Director Scott Sampson, PhD, shares his thoughts on the outcome of the major conference.

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A man rides his bike through a baobab forest in Madagascar

A man rides his bike through an iconic baobab forest in Madagascar. (Brian Fisher © California Academy of Sciences)

Science & Sustainability
New research prompts urgent call from scientists to protect Madagascar’s unique biodiversity
December 2, 2022

Experts from more than 50 organizations, including the Academy, review current state of biodiversity on island.

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Cactus bees in a mating ball

"Bee Balling" by photographer Karine Aigner, BigPicture 2022 Grand Prize Winner

Exhibits, Programs & Events
BigPicture: Natural World Photography Competition now open
December 1, 2022

World-renowned international photo competition awards awe-inspiring wildlife and conservation images.

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The California Academy of Sciences will leverage Picturae's conveyor belt technology to digitize 1 million CA botany specimens

Picturae’s state-of-the-art conveyor belt systems and technology will enable the Academy to digitize specimens ten times faster than before, generating roughly 4,000 images per day.

Science & Sustainability
California Academy of Sciences Receives $2.4 Million to Digitize 1 Million California Botany Specimens
November 30, 2022

Democratized access to collections data will help guide conservation and management decisions across the state.

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