Ella Al-Shamahi named by the Explorers Club as one of 50 People Changing the World in 2026

Each year The Explorers Club recognizes the EC50–fifty extraordinary people who are doing remarkable work to promote science and exploration, but remain under the radar and out of the limelight. These 50 individuals are exploring, inspiring, and creating the future—the future of the planet, life upon it, and the boundless possibilities that await us all.

“How does the public not know the actual story of our origins. Because it turns out we were one of seven human species walking the Earth at the same time. This is so fascinating. Like full-on Lord of the Rings style.”

Paleontologist, evolutionary biologist, BBC commentator, author, and stand-up comic, Ella Al-Shamahi grew up in a missionary family that believed in creationism. At college, as she delved into the study of evolution, she embraced the validity of the science. 

Fast forward to 2025, when she starred in the BBC/PBS series HUMAN, which reveals humanity’s incredible story across 300,000 year of human evolution. Her stage show BECOMNG HUMAN has and continues to wow Changemaker audiences across the US. 

Of her ancestral ties to Yemeni, a country not open to her because of instability, Ella says ““I realized that huge parts of the planet’s scientific potential was being overlooked because of their political situation – we were missing scientific discoveries and dare I say it, future scientists.” Named a powerful storyteller by the Explorers Club, Ella hopes to rectify that.