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 as a postdoctoral scholar 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.

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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.

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Ben currently serves as the Chief Science Officer of the Mind Science Foundation. He is also a Clinical Assistant Professor at SUNY Buffalo, and an Adjunct Lecturer at Stanford University where he teaches "How to Communicate Science" alongside Dr. David Eagleman. He 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. ​

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