BIO
Ben Rein, PhD is a neuroscientist and science educator whose research has focused on the neurobiology of social interactions. He has published over 20 scientific papers in peer-reviewed scientific journals about the neuroscience of empathy, the genetic basis of autism spectrum disorder, and how communication between brain cells regulates social interactions. ​While working at Stanford University, Ben characterized how MDMA acts in the brain to enhance empathy. His research has been honored with awards from the NIH, the Society for Neuroscience, and Sigma Xi. To view all 20+ papers, visit the Research page.
​
Outside of the lab, Ben creates educational science videos for an audience of >1 million social media followers. His videos summarize recent research papers, teach neuroscience basics, and debunk viral videos containing misinformation. They have received over 60 million views and been featured on Good Morning America, ABC News, and other major media outlets. Ben has been profiled by Popular Mechanics and Spectrum News, appeared on Entertainment Tonight, and joined over 40 podcasts including StarTalk with Neil DeGrasse Tyson. Ben's science communication efforts have been recognized with awards from the National Academies of Science, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Society for Neuroscience, and Stanford University. To learn more, please visit the Science Communication​ page.
​​
Ben currently serves as the Chief Science Officer of the Mind Science Foundation and has served as a scientific/media consultant for more than 35 companies and foundations. He is a contributing editor at OpenMind Magazine, and the Founder & President of the Aspiring Scientists Coalition, an organization providing free guidance for students in 75+ countries. ​
​
SCIENCE COMMUNICATION
In the video above (produced by Stanford University) Ben explains the "why" behind his science communication.
Ben believes that science should be more clear and accessible to the public. His educational videos have been viewed more than 60 million times on social media, and have been featured in New York Post, Good Morning America, ABC News, and elsewhere.
​
​
FEATURED PAPERS
Please visit the publications page for a complete list of papers.
MDMA Enhances Empathy-Like Behaviors in Mice via 5-HT Release in the Nucleus Accumbens
CELL
SCIENCE
ADVANCES
NEUROSCIENCE
Rein B, Raymond K, Boustani C, Tuy S, Zhang J, St. Laurent R, Pomrenze MP, Boroon P, Heifets B, Smith ML, Malenka RC. (2024)
Rein B (2023).
Rein B (2022).
Making Science Education
More Accessible: A Case Study
of TikTok's Utility as a Science
Communication Tool
PUBLIC
SPEAKING
A dynamic and engaging speaker, Ben has presented at prestigious institutions worldwide, from international conferences to leading medical schools, on topics ranging from the neuroscience of social behavior and psychedelics to science communication and career development. He brings complex concepts to life with clarity and enthusiasm, inspiring and informing audiences of all backgrounds. If you are interested in having Ben speak at your event, please inquire using the contact form below.​​
