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Press Release
National Geographic Society Names Justin Brashares Explorer in Residence
Renowned wildlife and conservation scientist joins National Geographic Explorer community to support the Blue Boundaries program, bolstering its research and conservation efforts
Photo courtesy of Anastasiia Sapon
WASHINGTON, D.C. (April 30, 2026) – Today, the National Geographic Society announced that esteemed wildlife and conservation scientist Justin Brashares has been named a National Geographic Explorer in Residence to support Blue Boundaries, a partnership between the Society and the Chubb Charitable Foundation that aims to build lasting resilience for both people and nature in the critical ecosystems where land meets water.
Ignited by a passion for protecting biodiversity, Brashares studies the growing impact of human activity on wildlife populations and their natural habitats. As an Explorer in Residence, Brashares will bring his scientific expertise to the Society, guiding the scientific research and conservation strategy for Blue Boundaries. In his new role, he will also serve as chair of the Blue Boundaries Science Committee, leading this advisory group to provide specialized knowledge to the program and to mentor the program’s cohort of Explorers.
“Justin’s work is driven by a simple but urgent reality that our planet’s rich biodiversity, the vital force sustaining its stability and resilience, is rapidly declining, and we are only just beginning to understand how that impacts our future,” said Ian Miller, chief science and innovation officer at the Society. “By developing evidence-based conservation solutions rooted in science, Justin’s work demonstrates how on-the-ground research involving local communities can lead to meaningful protection. We’re proud to welcome Justin to the Blue Boundaries program and to our exceptional community of National Geographic Explorers. These scientists, educators and storytellers are driven to further our understanding of our changing planet and to ensure that both people and nature thrive.”
Brashares is the G.R. & W.M. Goertz Professor of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Science at the University of California, Berkeley. Through his work, Brashares blends ecology and conservation biology with new perspectives from interdisciplinary science to uncover holistic strategies for biodiversity conservation that are rooted in real-world evidence. In his research and outreach activities, Brashares engages students, partners and stakeholders across North America, South America, Africa and Asia to advance science and conservation action.
“Blue Boundary environments are vital to the planet, providing essential services that support both people and nature. Through this program, we aim to understand the delicate balance of these ecosystems and identify scalable solutions to protect and restore them,” Brashares said. “I’m also deeply honored to join the community of National Geographic Explorers who are harnessing the power of science, innovation and technology to inspire and create change.”
Brashares has been a member of the larger National Geographic community since 2018, when he joined the Society’s Committee for Research and Exploration, an external, interdisciplinary advisory body of experts that provides strategic advice to help improve the impact of the Society’s funding opportunities.
Brashares joins a celebrated group of Explorers in Residence, including renowned storytellers Tara Roberts and Kirsten Elstner, paleoanthropologist Lee R. Berger, and marine conservationist Enric Sala.
About Chubb
Chubb is a world leader in insurance. With operations in 54 countries and territories, Chubb provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients. The company is defined by its extensive product and service offerings, broad distribution capabilities, exceptional financial strength and local operations globally. Parent company Chubb Limited is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CB) and is a component of the S&P 500 index. Chubb employs approximately 45,000 people worldwide.
Additional information can be found at: www.chubb.com.
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About Blue Boundaries
The National Geographic Society and the Chubb Charitable Foundation are partnering together to drive transformational change for vital ecosystems at the intersection of land and water. Led by a cohort of National Geographic Explorers, the Blue Boundaries program focuses on safeguarding three of Earth’s most vital ecosystems — freshwater wetlands, coastal systems and reefs — through on-location research and conservation projects, paired with compelling storytelling and innovative education. To learn more about this program, visit www.NatGeo.org/BlueBoundaries
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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