Merlin Crossley appointed Chief Scientist of the Australian Museum

4 September 2026, Sydney: The Australian Museum (AM) has announced the appointment of renowned molecular biologist Professor Merlin Crossley AM as Chief Scientist of the Australian Museum.

Professor Crossley is currently UNSW Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) Academic Quality and previously DVC Education and as Dean of Science. He is a molecular biologist, specialising in using CRISPR gene editing to understand and treat human genetic diseases. He is also a dedicated supporter of science communication and research.

Kim McKay AO, Australian Museum Director and CEO said she was excited to announce that Professor Crossley will be joining and lead science at the Australian Museum Research Institute from next year.

“In addition to his many scientific achievements as a geneticist, Merlin has been a long standing and valued supporter of the AM, from serving on the AM Trust to having a spectacular luminous squid, Iridoteuthis merlini, named in his honour. It is especially meaningful that Merlin will join the AM team in early 2027 as we mark the 200th anniversary celebrating the AM’s role as one of Australia’s most significant cultural and scientific institutions.

Professor Crossley served on the AM Trust for nine years and was previous Chair of the AM’s Science Advisory Board. Currently he is Chair of The Conversation, Chair of UNSW Press, Deputy Chair of the Australian Science Media Centre, and has served on the Board of the Sydney Institute of Marine Science. He was appointed as a Member in the General Division of the Order of Australia (AM) for his services to education and molecular biology in 2023.

Professor Crossley said he was honoured to join the Australian Museum and opportunity to lead science strategy at AMRI.

“I’m delighted and honoured to be joining the Australian Museum and to lead science at the Australian Museum Research Institute, which are loved by both the public and scientific community, for their role in science and education in its broadest sense,” Professor Crossley said.

Ms McKay thanked AMRI Acting Chief Scientist Shane Ahyong for serving in the role for the past 18 months.

Professor Ahyong is a recognised leading expert in crustaceans, such as mantis shrimps. He has worked with the Australian Museum since 2010 and is included in the Stanford University list of the top 2 percent of most influential scientists worldwide.

Professor Ahyong will continue to act in the role as Acting Chief Scientist until end of 2026 and will resume his role as a Senior Principal Research Scientist at AMRI.

Professor Crossley will join the Australian Museum Research Institute in early 2027 and also continue his molecular genetics research via joint arrangements with UNSW.

About the Australian Museum

The nation’s first museum, the Australian Museum (AM) was founded in 1827 and will mark its 200-year anniversary in 2027. It is internationally recognised as a natural science and culture institution focused on Australia and the Pacific. The AM holds more than 22 million objects and specimens in its collection, the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. It pursues a mission to ignite wonder, inspire debate and drive change. The AM’s vision is to be a leading voice for the richness of life, the Earth and culture in Australia and the Pacific and commits to transforming the conversation around climate change, the environment and wildlife conservation; being a strong advocate for First Nations cultures; and continuing to develop world-leading science through the Australian Museum Research Institute (AMRI). The AM is not only a dynamic source of reliable scientific information on the environmental and social challenges facing our region, but also a trusted site of cultural exchange and learning.