
Dr.
Ellen Stofan
Smithsonian Institution
Area
Leadership, Policy, and Communications
Specialty
Public Affairs and Public Policy
Elected
2025
Ellen Stofan is the Under Secretary for Science and Research at the Smithsonian overseeing its science research centers and the National Air and Space Museum, National Museum of Natural History, and National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. Her focus is on the Smithsonian’s “Our Shared Future: Life on a Sustainable Planet” initiative, especially in areas of biodiversity, ecosystem resilience, origins and evolution of habitable planets, and one heath.
Previously, Stofan was the John and Adrienne Mars Director of the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. Before joining the Smithsonian, Stofan was Chief Scientist at NASA.
Stofan serves on National Geographic Society’s Board of Trustees and the Presidential Committee on the National Medal of Science.
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