Ben Rein, Ph.D.

Neuroscientist,
Science Communicator
& Author

Welcome!

I'm Ben.
I'm a neuroscientist, science communicator and author.

Award-Winning Neuroscientist:

Recognition from organizations including NIH, Society for Neuroscience, Sigma Xi, and others.

Research on Social Behavior:

Published 20+ peer-reviewed papers on the neurobiology of autism, empathy, MDMA, and digital interactions.

Academic Training:

PhD in Neuroscience from SUNY Buffalo; postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford University.

Industry Consultant:

Provided scientific / media consulting for >60 organizations.

Chief Science Officer:

At the Mind Science Foundation, we provide funding to early-career neuroscientists.

Neuroscientist

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Broad Digital Reach:

Over 1.2 million social media followers and 75 million video views; making neuroscience clear and accessible for the public.

Science Communication Awards:

Received honors from the National Academies, AAAS, Pulitzer Center, Society for Neuroscience, and elsewhere.

News Features:

Featured in 80+ news articles including appearances on Entertainment Tonight, Popular Mechanics, and features on Good Morning America, ABC News, etc.

Podcast Guest:

Joined 100+ podcasts including StarTalk with Neil DeGrasse Tyson and Barstool Sports’ Macrodosing.

Public Speaker:

Delivered more than 60 invited lectures on topics in neuroscience and science communication.

Science Communicator

Pioneering Science Communication Education:

Co-developed and launched the Stanford course “How to Communicate Science” with Dr. David Eagleman.

Extensive University Instructor:

Currently serve as Clinical Assistant Professor at SUNY Buffalo and Adjunct Lecturer at Stanford University. Developed and led workshops, courses, and
credentials at six universities.

Supporting Science Communication Challenges:

Consult, coach, and judge for Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Competitions at multiple universities, while leading the Mind Science Foundation's BrainStorm Neuroscience Pitch Competition ($100,000 in annual research awards).

Educator

Penguin Random House Author:

Debut book, Why Brains Need Friends, published in 2025 by Avery (Penguin Random House).

Global Publishing Reach:

Book published in 17 languages, with more
territories in negotiation.

Critical Acclaim:

Reviewed by the Wall Street Journal, The Sunday Times, The Guardian, The Daily Mail, and others. Featured in The New York Times, Big Think, Psychology Today, and multiple “Must Read” lists including Zibby Books and The Next Big Idea Club.

Author

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My Book

With critical acclaim from the Wall Street Journal, The Sunday Times, The Guardian and elsewhere, Why Brains Need Friends uncovers the neuroscience beneath our social lives, and reveals the dramatic effects our "social diet" can have on our health, happiness, and longevity.

Learn more here.

Purchase