Inspiring individuals in the fields of science, arts, culture and human behavior are regular subjects of Smithsonian magazine and Smithsonian.com. Around the world, these men and women are making a difference in the ways we think and live.
From ideas for greener living to the preservation of storied neighborhoods, their ideas and accomplishments challenge all of us look at the world around us and imagine what change can accomplish.
Paul Polak
Escaping Poverty
The social entrepreneur advocates helping the world's poorest people, one tool at a time.
Wallace Broecker
A Fix for Climate Change
The geochemist proposes a solution to global warming: CO2 "scrubbers"
Falk Warnecke
Termite Bellies and Biofuels
Research into termite digestion may hold solutions to our energy crisis
Dean Thomas
To Catch a Thief
A Civil War buff's chance discovery leads to a sting, a raid and a victory against traffickers in stolen historical documents
Col. Matthew Bodanos
Recovering a Nation's Treasures
The fast-thinking Marine officer improvised an investigation of the pillaging of Baghdad's Iraq Museum—and helped recover thousands of stolen antiquities
Laurie Marker
Rare Breed
Can the director of the Cheetah Conservation Fund help the world's fastest mammal outrun its fate?
Discover More People Making a Difference
Patricia Zaradic
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The Trouble With "Videophilia"
The conservation ecologist advises everyone to get out into nature
Doug Fine
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Life Off the Grid
A journalist's ambitious experiment in ecological living leads to a goat pen
Eric G. Wilson
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In Praise of Sorrow
The Wake Forest University professor explains how the pursuit of happiness naturally includes melancholy
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Videos
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Behind the PhotosGregory Crewdson discusses his virtual reality |
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TransitionsPhotographs by Robert Creamer |
Photo Gallery
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Water WorksTaking up the family business, Philippe Cousteau campaigns to save our oceans and rivers |
