Secretary, Smithsonian Institution As its scientific research and public programs grow, the Smithsonian has an important role to play in promoting scientific literacy so the public and policy makers can make informed decisions on complex scientific issues. Guided by its strategic plan, the Smithsonian has entered a new era of cross-disciplinary cooperation to expand its affect on global issues of the day in art, science, history and education. Dr. Clough is the 12th Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, leading the world’s largest museum and research complex with 19 museums, nine research centers, the National Zoo, and research activities in more than 90 countries. Clough envisions a new era for the 164-year-old Institution, expanding the Smithsonian’s global relevance and helping the nation shape its future through research, education, and scientific discovery on major topics of the day. One of his first initiatives led to a new strategic plan that speaks to four grand challenges that will bring together the diverse resources of the Smithsonian’s museums and science centers through interdisciplinary approaches. Ensuring that the Institution’s vast collection is accessible and available to everyone is a priority for Clough and the new strategic plan. Efforts are underway to digitize much of the Smithsonian’s 137 million objects in the collection and use the World Wide Web and Smithsonian experts and scholars to reach out to new audiences in the United States and around the world.