Cleveland Museum of Natural History’s Chief Science Officer Takes Exciting New Role at Oxford University

CLEVELAND, Ohio – Gavin Svenson, the curator of invertebrate zoology and chief science officer at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History since 2012, is headed to a new chapter. He has been named the new director of the Museum of Natural History at Oxford University in England.

This news was shared on Oxford University’s website. Sonia Winner, president of the Cleveland museum, described Svenson’s appointment as “a tremendous honor.” She noted that it reflects the global impact of his work and the high standards of their institution. Winner expressed pride in Svenson’s achievements during his time in Cleveland.

Svenson played a key role in a major $150 million transformation of the museum, which was largely completed in December. This renovation aimed to modernize how natural history is displayed, moving away from old-fashioned “cabinets of curiosity.” Instead, visitors can expect to see related specimens grouped together in innovative ways.

His responsibilities included managing the museum’s vast collection of specimens, overseeing the Nathan and Fannye Shafran Planetarium and Ralph Mueller Observatory, and supervising natural areas across northern Ohio that are protected by the museum.

Svenson holds a graduate degree from Cornell University and a PhD from Brigham Young University. An expert in entomology, he is well-known for his research on praying mantises. His work gained wider recognition through a four-part PBS series titled “Bugs That Rule the World.”

He shared on the Oxford University website that he feels honored to join the Oxford museum and looks forward to shaping its future.

Established in 1860, the Museum of Natural History at Oxford is home to significant artifacts, such as the world’s first scientifically described dinosaur and the only known soft tissue remains of the extinct dodo, as highlighted on the University of Oxford website.

Svenson will start his new role in September. Richard Ovenden, who oversees Oxford’s gardens, libraries, and museums, praised Svenson as an inspiring leader who understands the critical connection between museum collections and pressing global issues like climate change and biodiversity.

Baroness Katherine Willis, a professor of biodiversity at Oxford, echoed these sentiments. She emphasized the museum’s important role in promoting public understanding of natural history, especially in light of today’s environmental challenges. Svenson’s experience in scientific research and outreach will be invaluable.

As the Cleveland Museum of Natural History considers its next steps, Nikki Burt, the curator of human health and evolutionary medicine, will serve as interim chief curator. Julia Ross, the director of philanthropy and external relations, will step in as the interim director of their natural areas.

Svenson’s transition marks an exciting shift for both him and the institutions involved, highlighting the enduring importance of natural history in addressing our evolving understanding of the planet.

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