September 9, 2026
On Friday, 4 September 2026, the Australian Museum announced the appointment of Professor Merlin Crossley AM FRSN as Chief Scientist of the Australian Museum.
Professor Crossley is currently UNSW Deputy Vice-Chancellor (DVC) Academic Quality and previously as DVC Education and 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. He is also the Chair of The Conversation Media Group and Chair of the Royal Society of NSW Awards Committee.
Ms Kim McKay AO, Australian Museum Director and CEO, said that’In addition to his many scientific achievements as a geneticist, Merlin has been a long-standing and valued supporter of the Australian Museum (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 will join the Australian Museum Research Institute in early 2027 and also continue his molecular genetics research via joint arrangements with UNSW.
The Council of the Society warmly congratulates Professor Crossley on his new appointment and looks forward to building our connections with him and Australian Museum in this exciting new stage in his career.
