Press Center

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

Latest Releases

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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

Two juvenile reindeer with antlers are pictured nuzzling each other
Holidays Bring Baby Animals, Spirited Performances, Wintry Science Programs, and more to the California Academy of Sciences

Return every two weeks to see pairs of visiting baby reindeer, camels, and yaks.

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All Releases

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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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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