The 2012 guide to the people risking their reputations, fortunes, and lives> in pursuit of big ideas

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A vocal contingent of Catholic nuns stands up to the Vatican to push for change.

A Saudi defies the law, gets behind the wheel, and creates a stir with a campaign for equality.

A champion of big ideas proves you can get a lot done if you don’t mind disagreement.

From the bold to the bizarre, an outspoken mayor puts himself at the center of more than a few stories.

Forgoing fortune, a cancer-fighter rushes research into the hands of others.

Challenging popular assumptions—and personal comfort—a contrarian raises an alarm over air-conditioning.

A Catholic courts controversy in defending views running counter to the Church.

A witty provocateur serves up a new vision of modern young women.

Despite beatings and prison, an activist shines a light on government abuse in rural China.

Ignoring personal embarrassment, a crusader fights corruption in Azerbaijan.

Despite threats to her life, a woman runs for president in Afghanistan.

After discovering more than 400 planets, a stargazer now sets his sights on finding life forms on them.

With a brave admission, a budding star challenges the culture of hip-hop.

Slashing budgets and shifting priorities, a reformer redefines higher education.

A group of feminists goes to prison over a novel protest against Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Facing tough choices, a politician starts fixing a financial debacle.

A conservative jurist sets aside ideology in service of the Court’s integrity.

With his legacy cemented, a prominent academic reopens a painful controversy to set the record straight.

A pastor risks his church on a brave stand for same-sex marriage.

A wunderkind nuclear expert skips college and sets his sights on fusion energy.

An architect imagines an audacious new kind of skyscraper in China.