Professor Michael Akam
Director of the University Museum of Zoology
The Gallery of the University Museum of Zoology

Michael Akam is a professor in the Department of Zoology and a Fellow of Darwin College. His research focuses on Hox genes, which control the basic layout of the body in most animals including man.

The University Museum of Zoology was founded in 1816. Its collection is primarily used to support the teaching of undergraduates. However, like many museums the vast majority of its collection remains in storage and unseen. It is estimated that the Museum has nearly a million specimens in its collection, including a notable number of Charles Darwin’s specimens from the Beagle expedition.