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From Space Research in Saudi Arabia to Coral Reef Restoration in the Caribbean, the National Geographic Society’s 2025 Young Explorers Are Shaping a Sustainable Future
15 innovators reshaping our world through bold conservation, cultural preservation and restoration efforts, united by a shared vision for the future
WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 20, 2025) — To tackle the urgent challenges facing our planet, the National Geographic Society is proud to support and elevate the next generation of changemakers. Today, the Society announces its 2025 Young Explorers — 15 extraordinary individuals, ages 18 to 25, who are leading bold, community-rooted work across ocean conservation, wildlife protection, climate resilience, cultural preservation and beyond.
“The 2025 Young Explorers aren’t just coming up with transformational solutions to address pressing challenges; they are also putting them into action,” said Alex Moen, chief explorer engagement officer at the National Geographic Society. “We are proud to welcome these passionate young leaders into our global Explorer community and to support their journeys in the years to come.”
Through the Society’s Young Explorer program, each recipient receives a monetary award, along with tailored training, mentorship and access to a global network of peers and experts. They also gain opportunities for continued project support, helping them scale their ideas and deepen their impact. Selected through a rigorous, multi-stage nomination and application process, the 2025 Young Explorers are advancing solutions at the intersection of science, education, technology, culture and the environment.
The 2025 Young Explorers are:
- Bayarmaa Chuluunbat, 24, a wildlife ecologist from Mongolia working with herding communities to promote human-wildlife coexistence.
- Cristopher Vargas, 23, a dubbing director and voice actor from Peru, dedicated to preserving and promoting the Quechua language.
- Dana Ahmed, 21, a marine law researcher and educator from Egypt advocating for ocean rights through accessible marine literacy, law and art.
- Danielle Boyer, 24, a robotics designer and educator from the United States using technology to revitalize Indigenous cultures.
- Jabi Katy Chale, 25, a journalist and cultural ecology researcher from Cameroon using her platform to drive community awareness and action.
- Lana Alabbasi, 21, an astrophysics researcher from Saudi Arabia who founded and directed her country’s first space research mentorship program.
- Marta Bernardino, 19, a conservation roboticist from Portugal, who combines engineering and ecology to fight environmental degradation.
- Max Han Kai Ding, 24, a climate justice advocate and nonprofit leader from Malaysia mobilizing youth for climate action.
- Muskaan Khemani, 24, a researcher from Curaçao and the United States using earth science to examine and address climate impacts in Caribbean communities.
- Nicolas Diaz-Magaloni, 23, a filmmaker and journalist from Mexico and the United States using the power of media to ignite social change.
- Rebecca Ruga Gima, 25, a biologist and conservationist from Papua New Guinea addressing water scarcity.
- Seth Aqui, 24, a marine researcher and educator from Trinidad and Tobago promoting sustainable management of the Caribbean’s ocean resources.
- Silia Hazel Mapepa, 24, an engineering researcher from Zimbabwe advancing sustainable materials and innovation for climate resilience.
- Tiffani Gay, 18, a STEM equity advocate and researcher from the United States who founded a nonprofit promoting youth innovation in conservation and education.
- Vishal Subramanyan, 22, a filmmaker and conservation storyteller from the United States fostering appreciation and protection of California’s ecosystems.
These 15 new awardees join a dynamic community of National Geographic Young Explorers, all united by a shared mission: to drive meaningful action and inspire lasting change. As part of a bespoke cohort experience, the 2025 Young Explorers will engage in both virtual and in-person programming, including a dedicated retreat where they will connect with mentors, collaborate with fellow awardees and develop presentations to share their work. This experience is designed to foster meaningful connections, build leadership skills and amplify their impact.
Select Quotes from 2025 Young Explorers:
What motivates you to illuminate and protect the wonder of the world?
What motivates me is the deep connection I feel to the wild places of Mongolia — vast steppes, rugged mountains, and rare animals like snow leopards and saiga,” said Young Explorer Bayarmaa Chuluunbat. “Growing up surrounded by this beauty, I saw not only how incredible nature is, but also how vulnerable it can be. Watching species struggle due to human activity made me realize that these wonders won’t survive unless we act. I’m motivated by the belief that every person, especially those closest to the land, has a role in protecting our shared world. I want future generations to experience the same awe I felt seeing a snow leopard’s tracks or hearing cranes fly overhead.”
What are the qualities you believe make a strong youth leader?
“A strong youth leader seeks a deep, nuanced understanding of the local issues around them while staying grounded in their roots and community,” said Young Explorer Max Han Kai Ding. “They read, act, listen, and learn with humility and share their lessons generously with others.”
How can young people make an impact?
“Young people can make an impact by recognizing the power of lived experience, community wisdom, and bold innovation,” said Young Explorer Silia Hazel Mapepa. “When we root solutions in our local contexts and collaborate globally, we don't just raise awareness, we build movements!”
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Chris Fisne
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About The National Geographic Society
The National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit organization that uses the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Since 1888, National Geographic has pushed the boundaries of exploration, investing in bold people and transformative ideas, providing more than 15,000 grants for work across all seven continents, reaching 3 million students each year through education offerings, and engaging audiences around the globe through signature experiences, stories and content.
To learn more, visit www.nationalgeographic.org or follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook.
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