Press Center

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

Featured Releases

BigPicture exhibit at the California Academy of Sciences.
Academy Celebrates BigPicture Exhibit 10th Anniversary with New Book Featuring Award-winning Female Wildlife Photographers

BigPicture is celebrating its 10th anniversary with a new book Seeing It All featuring women photographers.

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Methuselah the lungfish pictured floating in her blue tank

photo by Gayle Laird

California Academy of Sciences Reveals Age of World’s Oldest Living Aquarium Fish

Methuselah the nonagenarian Australian lungfish’s age comes just in time for Steinhart Aquarium’s centennial.

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Citizen scientists out on a nature walk in San Francisco.
Thirty-two organizations announce Reimagining San Francisco, a new nature alliance to make the City healthier, greener, and more equitable

Nonprofit, city, state, & educational orgs have pledged to work together to improve the ecological health of SF

Steinhart Aquarium pictured on opening day in 1923.
California Academy of Sciences’ Steinhart Aquarium Celebrates 100 Years

Centennial celebrations include activations across the city, inside the museum, and more.

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Releases

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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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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