PHOTOS | California Academy of Sciences’ Big Bang Gala

Event: California Academy of Sciences’ Big Bang Gala
Date: April 23, 2026
Location: California Academy of Sciences, San Francisco
Photos: Drew Altizer, Kelly Keltos, and Devlin Shand for Drew Altizer Photography

300 guests joined the California Academy of Sciences on Thursday, April 23 for its annual gala fundraiser. This year’s event, Big Bang | Urban Wild, celebrated vibrant cities where people and nature thrive together. Attendees heard from keynote speaker Lena Chan, PhD, former Senior Director of the National Parks Board of Singapore, who shared her experience building one of the world’s most renowned garden cities. Academy executive director Scott Sampson, PhD, explored why biodiverse cities are essential for human health, ecological health, and climate resilience. Director of the Academy’s Center for Biodiversity and Community Science Rebecca Johnson, PhD, shared how Academy-led community science efforts are increasing the health of urban nature through partnerships and alliances like Reimagining San Francisco.

Following the seated gala dinner, 1,500 guests joined Party After Dark, a dazzling afterparty and official closing event of SF Climate Week, featuring music by Radio Gatsby and DJs e’Lish, the Disco Honey Collective, and Habitaat. Guests were inspired by artist and activist Benjamin Von Wong during a powerful talk, “The Art of Resilience: Doing Enough in Times of Crisis,” and also enjoyed gourmet cocktails, tasty bites, and dancing throughout the museum.
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​Notable attendees:
​Lena Chan, PhD – Keynote speaker, former Senior Director of the National Parks Board of Singapore, Scott Sampson, PhD – Academy Executive Director, Rebecca Johnson, PhD – Director of the Academy’s Center for Biodiversity and Community Science, Sandy Miller – Event Co-Chair, Ella Qing Hou – Event Co-Chair