Australian Museum farewells Chief Scientist Professor Kris Helgen

Professor Helgen appointed President and CEO at Hawaii’s Bishop Museum

SYDNEY, April 3, 2025: Today the Bernice Pauahi Bishop Museum in Hawaii announced that Professor Kristofer Helgen has been appointed as its new President and CEO.

For the past five years, Professor Helgen has been Chief Scientist and Director of the Australian Museum’s Research Institute (AMRI) and has contributed to its growth and development through his leadership and significant research.

Kim McKay, AO, Australian Museum Director and CEO, wished Professor Helgen well for this next chapter in his career.

“We congratulate Professor Helgen on his elevation to the role of President and CEO at the Bishop Museum, which is a significant museum in the Pacific region, and we look forward to continuing to work with him in his new capacity,” McKay said.

“Kris has overseen a team of 120 researchers and collections staff at AMRI and has also published his own acclaimed research while at the AM,” she said.

The new role sees Kris Helgen returning to the US, where he previously worked at the Smithsonian Natural History Museum as Chief Curator of Mammals.