UW’s Shihab Named to Prestigious Club of Rome

The University of Wyoming’s Penelope Shihab was recently named to the Club of Rome, a global think tank.

Shihab, director of the Wyoming Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, is thrilled with the honor of membership in the group, which is a platform of diverse thought leaders who identify holistic solutions to complex global issues and promote policy initiatives and action to enable humanity to emerge from multiple planetary emergencies.

“My induction into the Club of Rome represents a culmination of my lifelong dedication to making a positive impact on society through innovation, entrepreneurship and scientific endeavors,” Shihab says. “It signifies that my efforts have been recognized and that I have gained a platform to further amplify my voice and influence. This honor serves as a source of inspiration, motivating me to continue pushing boundaries, exploring novel solutions and driving meaningful change.”

The Club of Rome was created to address the multiple crises facing humanity and the planet, according to information on the organization’s website. The group draws on the unique, collective expertise of its 100 members -- notable scientists, economists, business leaders and former politicians -- to define comprehensive solutions to the complex, interconnected challenges of the world.

The organization has prioritized five key areas of impact: emerging new civilizations; planetary emergency; reframing economics; rethinking finance; and youth leadership and intergenerational dialogues.

Shihab says her focus will be on youth, innovation, economic development and women’s empowerment. She will leverage her expertise and influence to prioritize youth engagement, particularly at UW and with students at Wyoming’s eight community colleges. She aims to provide more opportunities for students and expose them to global strategies encompassing health care, innovation, economic development and social entrepreneurship.

“I am delighted that Penelope has been inducted into the Club of Rome,” says UW President Ed Seidel. “This illustrious group of world leaders tackles the pressing issues of our time. We are fortunate that UW now has representation through Penelope’s membership.”

Shihab, a renowned scientist and high-impact entrepreneur, has started several successful companies in the United States and internationally during two decades of biotechnology management and business development.

She is the CEO and founder of Jordan Company for Antibody Production (MonoJo Biotech), a leading biotech company in the Arab region. The company was established in 2005 in Amman, Jordan, and was selected by the World Economic Forum in 2019 as among the 100 Arab startups shaping the Fourth Industrial Revolution. Among these 100 startups, MonoJo Biotech was selected as one of the 10 startups that are helping to change the Arab world.

Shihab holds a Ph.D. in pharmacy and biomedical sciences from the University of Strathclyde in the United Kingdom. She is a board member of the European Cooperation in Science and Technology, a funding organization to create research/innovation networks involving scientists across Europe and beyond.

Established in 1968 at Accademia dei Lincei in Rome, Italy, the Club of Rome is composed of outstanding individuals selected from current and former heads of state and government, United Nations administrators, high-level politicians and government officials, diplomats, scientists, economists and business leaders.

Shihab joins an esteemed group that includes notable figures such as Princess Beatrix of the Netherlands, Fernando Henrique Cardoso, King Juan Carlos I of Spain, Horst Köhler and Manmohan Singh.

“This honor is not only a privilege for me, but it also extends to our esteemed students at the University of Wyoming,” Shihab says. “I am thrilled to embark on this journey with the Club of Rome and engage our students in shaping the world's future through their unique perspectives and innovative ideas.”

Shihab says she will be a full member for the next five years and, after that period, the club will decide whether to renew her membership.

For more information on Shihab and her induction into the Club of Rome, go to www.clubofrome.org/member/shihab-penelope/.