• Coming soon: Burra

    Burra – the AM’s upcoming, interactive children’s education space – is due to open in July 2022. Burra offers a ‘many-ways’ experience where First Nations and Pasifika knowledge systems and Western science are brought together in layers of learning.

    Explore magazine
    An artist's render of the entrance and pathway, Burra Learning Place,
  • Croaked: The 2021 frog die-off

    With the help of citizen scientists, Dr Jodi Rowley and the AM Herpetology team are investigating the breadth and causes of a mass frog die-off, currently occurring on the east coast of Australia.

    Explore magazine
    Litoria phyllochroa, Turramurra
  • The world’s most colourful silverfish!

    Australia has more described silverfish species than any other country, but even our entomologists were amazed when they discovered these species online – and were amazed at just how colourful these two new species are!

    AMRI
    Hemitelsella mutilloides Smith & Mitchell, 2021.
  • Egyptian mummy masks: The conservation treatment begins - part 2

    In Part 2 of this special AM blog series, Melissa Holt tells us about the treatment process for two of the Egyptian cartonnage objects which includes x-ray analysis and tear repairs!

    AMRI
    Melissa Holt in CC&C lab
  • Truth-telling, as old as the hills

    Another ‘Australia Day’ will be celebrated by some on 26 January, and with it undoubtedly a polarising debate on Australia’s founding story.

    At the Museum
    Storyboat Installation (detail)
  • The discovery of an exceptional new fossil site offers a glimpse into Australia’s ancient rainforests

    New fossil site offers unprecedented insight into Australian landscape, approximately 15 million years ago.

    AMRI
    Ancient fossil of Longhorn beetle
  • This year, in our brimming biome home

    Discover the Australian Museum's extraordinary achievements in the face of a testing year.

    At the Museum
    The Australian Museum
  • Earthworms can sometimes surprise us

    Australia is richly endowed with earthworm biodiversity, but of the 750 or so named species of earthworm in Australia, very few have been found in arid environments. The Broken Hill earthworm, a new genus and species, was a serendipitous find in an unexpected location. Find out more at the AM!

    AMRI
    Saltbush dominated habitat of Aridulodrilus molesworthae.
  • Discoveries and disruptions: 2021 in AMRI

    2021 was an unprecedented year for many: despite COVID-19 disruptions and restrictions, AMRI scientists discovered an unprecedented number of species, published at a new record, carried out fieldwork, and engaged with the public in our citizen science programs.

    AMRI
    Stigmatopora harastii The Steps
  • News from LIRS: Marine pollution research

    Each month, a selected blog from Lizard Island Reef Research Foundation (LIRRF) is featured at the AM. LIRRF supports scientific research & education at the AM’s Lizard Island Research Station on the Great Barrier Reef. For this month, we feature: Marine pollution research.

    AMRI
    Manoela at Lizard Island.
  • Digitising the treasures of the sea

    The Australian Museum is digitising its collections, including the historic and diverse Marine Invertebrate collection. We explain how the Museum is opening up its treasure trove of specimens to the world and the discoveries we are making along the way.

    AMRI
    Dr Laetitia Gunton digitising sponge specimens.
  • Celebrating a decade of DigiVol!

    DigiVol, the World’s first citizen science website for digitising museum collections, turns 10! Today we celebrate our volunteers, staff and all the brilliant collections that make this project so unique.

    AMRI
    Digivol Projects
  • The teenage filmmaker with a flair for science communication

    In conversation with Jonathan D., winner of the 2021 University of Sydney Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize – Secondary.

    Science
    Jonathan D. - Finalist, 2021 University of Sydney Sleek Geeks Science Eureka Prize — Secondary
  • Digitising and conserving fragile materials: the Australian Museum archaeology collection

    We take a behind the scenes look at the process of digitising and conserving fragile objects in the First Nations Archaeology collection – an ongoing collaborative project with the AM's Collection Care and Conservation team.

    Science
    Clare Kim and Rebecca Jones carefully moving some items into the CC&C lab via the service lift. Photos taken prior to Covid-19 mask restrictions and lockdown.
  • Game changing moments: celebrating International Day for People with a Disability

    I’ll never forget the day that I saw subtitles on an English language movie the first time.

    Museullaneous
    Man who uses a wheelchair and friend in Hintze Hall