Press Center

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

Latest Releases

Olivia Van Damme lays atop a tidepooling rock and uses her phone to photograph a species for city nature challenge.
Coastal bioblitz ‘Snapshot Cal Coast’ to provide a living account of sea life on California’s epic coastline

Snapshot Cal Coast encourages people from Del Norte to San Diego to connect with nature and explore the outdoors

The California: State of Nature exhibit opens at the California Academy of Sciences on May 24, 2024.
New Academy Exhibition "California: State of Nature" Brings the State’s Forests, Coasts, Deserts, and Cities to Life

Explore the the unexpected connections between the species, places, and people that enable California to thrive.

Three people stand/crouch at a tidepool in california during city nature challenge, in which they use iphones to take pictures of flora and fauna for inaturalist.
California Academy of Sciences Receives $3 million Grant for Biodiversity and Community Science from Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation

The grant will help communities, researchers, and the government work together on state conservation efforts.

Great blue heron by the Golden Gate Bridge.
City Nature Challenge records 2.4 million wildlife observations from more than 83,000 participants in a single weekend

Data from community scientists informs species conservation, enhances understanding of global biodiversity.

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All 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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