Joshua B. Plotkin

{{Infobox scientist

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| nationality = American

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| workplaces = University of Pennsylvania

| alma_mater = Harvard University (A. B.), Princeton University (Ph.D.){{cite web |title=Joshua B. Plotkin |url=http://www.bio.upenn.edu/people/joshua-plotkin |website=www.bio.upenn.edu |publisher=University of Pennsylvania |access-date=2018-10-10 |language=en}}

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| doctoral_advisor = Simon A. Levin

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Joshua B. Plotkin is an evolutionary biologist and applied mathematician. He is the Walter H. and Leonore C. Annenberg Professor of Natural Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania. Plotkin's research includes the study of the evolution of adaptation in populations, virus ecology, genetic drift, protein translation, and social norms.{{cite news |title=Luck Plays Role in how Language Evolves, Penn Team Finds |work=Targeted News Service |date=2017-11-01}}{{cite journal |last1=Seidler |first1=Tristram G |authorlink1=Tristram Seidler |last2=Plotkin |first2=Joshua B |last3=Nathan |first3=Ran |authorlink3=Ran Nathan|title=Seed Dispersal and Spatial Pattern in Tropical Trees |journal=PLOS Biology |date=17 October 2006 |volume=4 |issue=11 |pages=e344 |doi=10.1371/journal.pbio.0040344 |pmid=17048988 |pmc=1609130 |doi-access=free }}{{cite news |last1=Hammond |first1=Andrew |title=Why scientists solve the harder problems first |work=Gulf News |date=2018-01-15}}{{cite news |title=Faye Flam: Why is finding a cure for the common cold so difficult? |work=The Morning Call |date=2018-01-09|location=Allentown, Pennsylvania}}{{cite news |title=Natural selection of words |work=Financial Express |date=2017-11-09|location=New Delhi}}{{cite news |last1=Chapman |first1=John |title=Humans are naturally selfish, study finds |work=Express |date=2014-11-24|location=London}}

He serves on the editorial boards for Science Magazine and Cell Reports.