Press Center

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

Featured Releases

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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.

Coral releasing gamete bundles during an assisted spawning event in the Academy's Coral Regeneration Lab
California Academy of Sciences and Roatán Marine Park Receive $1.5 Million Grant for Coral Restoration in Honduras

The grant funds the first coral rearing lab in Honduras and the development of coral conservation techniques.

Fish in coral reef
Academy Joins Forces with More Than 100 Zoos and Aquariums to Advance Global Goals to Protect Wildlife and Wild Places

Association of Zoos and Aquariums resolve to halt and reverse the world’s catastrophic decline in biodiversity.

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Releases

Entomology specimens at the California Academy of Sciences.
Science & Sustainability
Academy Joins Global Natural History Initiative to Build Groundbreaking Database for Tackling 21st Century Challenges
March 23, 2023

Effort connects more than a billion objects in scientific collections across 73 museums in 28 countries.

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Big Bang Gala speakers

Top row (from left): Hilda C. Heine, Ed.D.; Rayna Bell, PhD; Lauren Esposito, PhD. Bottom row (from left): Marie Christina Kolo; Selina N. Leem; Madame Gandhi.

Programs & Events
California Academy of Sciences’ Big Bang Gala Spotlights Island Biodiversity Conservation
March 20, 2023

Annual fundraiser explores the Academy’s Islands 2030 initiative to reverse island biodiversity loss.

Academy Day face painting
Programs & Events
California Academy of Sciences to Celebrate 170-Year Anniversary with First-ever Academy Day April 4
March 14, 2023

Festive day of philanthropy to feature special science fair, specimens, prizes, and more.

Research divers exploring coral reefs in Roatán, Honduras
Science & Sustainability
Study shows how biodiversity of coral reefs around the world changes with depth
March 13, 2023

Differences between shallow and mesophotic reefs stress the importance of expanding marine protections.

A mostly empty intersection in San Francisco during the COVID-19 pandemic quarantine
Science & Sustainability
What if California didn’t close down during the pandemic?
March 9, 2023

Academy researchers develop mathematical model to help experts evaluate—and design—future pandemic responses

A recreation of the seafloor during the Permian period.
Science & Sustainability
New study reveals biodiversity loss drove ecological collapse after the “Great Dying”
February 23, 2023

Researchers turn to ancient extinction event to gain insights into modern biodiversity crisis.

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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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