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, and Sigma Xi.
Expert in Social Behavior.
Published 20+ peer-reviewed papers on autism, empathy, MDMA, and digital interactions.
Academic Roots.
PhD in Neuroscience from SUNY Buffalo; postdoctoral fellow at Stanford University.
Industry Consultant.
Scientific advisor for over 20 organizations.
Chief Science Officer of the Mind Science Foundation, providing funding to early-career neuroscientists.
Neuroscientist
Broad Digital Reach.
Over 1 million social media followers and 75 million video views; making neuroscience clear and accessible for the public.
Award-Winning Communicator.
Received honors from the National Academies, AAAS, Pulitzer Center, Society for Neuroscience, and elsewhere.
In the News.
Featured in 80+ news articles including appearances on Entertainment Tonight, Popular Mechanics, and features on Good Morning America, ABC News, etc.
Prominent Podcast Guest.
Joined 75+ podcasts including StarTalk with Neil DeGrasse Tyson and Barstool Sports’ Macrodosing.
Sought-After Speaker.
Delivered more than 60 invited lectures on topics in neuroscience and science communication.
Science Communicator
Pioneering Science Communication Education.
As an Adjunct Lecturer at Stanford University, co-developed and launched the course, “How to Communicate Science” with Dr. David Eagleman.
Extensive University Instructor.
Developed and led workshops, courses, and
credentials at six universities. Currently serve as Clinical Assistant Professor at SUNY Buffalo.
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 October 2025 with Avery, an imprint of Penguin Random House.
Global Publishing Reach.
Book published in over 15 languages, with more
territories in negotiation.
Critical Acclaim.
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
My Book
My first book, Why Brains Need Friends, explores the neuroscience of social connection and explains what's truly at stake in a post-interaction world.
Featured Papers
Cell
Harnessing Social Media to Challenge Scientific Misinformation
Rein B (2022).
Science Advances
MDMA Enhances Empathy-Like Behaviors in Mice via 5-HT Release in the Nucleus Accumbens
Rein B, Raymond K, Boustani C, Tuy S, Zhang J, St. Laurent R, Pomrenze MP, Boroon P, Heifets B, Smith ML, Malenka RC. (2024)
Neuroscience
Making Science Education More Accessible: A Case Study of TikTok's Utility as a Science Communication Tool
Rein B (2023).
Public speaking
I am currently accepting invitations. If you're interested in having me speak at your event, please inquire using the contact form below.
