Leading the world's largest museum and research complex comprising 19 museums, nine research centers, the National Zoo, and research activities in more than 90 countries is no small job.
But Wayne Clough, the 12th secretary of the Smithsonian, is more than up to it.
Since becoming secretary in July 2008, he has overseen several major openings at the Smithsonian, including the Sant Ocean Hall and the David H. Koch Hall of Human Origins at the National Museum of Natural History, and the reopening of the National Museum of American History.
Secretary Clough, who holds a doctorate in civil engineering from the University of California, Berkeley, and who served for 14 years as president of the Georgia Institute of Technology before coming to the Smithsonian, envisions a new era for the 164-year-old Institution.
In this special evening, he shares his vision for expanding the Smithsonian's relevance globally and helping the nation shape its future through cutting-edge research, education, and scientific discovery. He discusses one of his first initiatives, which led to the Smithsonian's new strategic plan.
The plan speaks to four grand challenges that will bring together the diverse resources of the Smithsonian's museums and science centers through interdisciplinary approaches and that will help ensure that the Institution's vast collection is accessible to everyone.
He also talks about the challenges the Smithsonian faces as it moves forward in the 21st century. Following his talk, Secretary Clough responds to questions from the audience.
