How can scientists align discovery with societal needs—and why is listening just as critical as leading?Today on the ⁠⁠Science with Impact Podcast⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠Bradley D. Olsen, ⁠professor of chemical engineering at MIT, shares how researchers can thoughtfully navigate the intersection of science and societal impact. From his pioneering work in polymer chemistry and cheminformatics to international outreach and advancing digital education, Brad reflects on the importance of humility, collaboration, and open-mindedness in driving meaningful change.🤔 Who is this for?Research scientists seeking to broaden the real-world impact of their work.Graduate students and postdocs exploring the scientist–engineer continuumOutreach professionals and program designers developing culturally sensitive initiativesBrad’s journey shows why solving the right problem starts with listening—to society, funders, and diverse voices. He reflects on how science and engineering intersect, what international outreach taught him about humility, and how lifelong learning and embracing failure drive innovation. He also shares how data tools are advancing polymer chemistry and why early digital literacy empowers the next generation.🔑 Key Takeaway: Scientific progress depends on more than discovery—it requires listening, collaboration, and empowering others to contribute.⌚️ Time Stamps:00:00 Introduction to Problem Solving in Science01:00 The Importance of Societal Impact in Research01:40 Meet Brad Olson: Background and Collaborations02:30 Inspiring the Next Generation of Scientists05:05 The Intersection of Science and Engineering06:00 Challenges in Measuring Outreach Impact10:48 International Outreach and Cultural Sensitivity15:23 The Joy of Lifelong Learning20:26 Advancing Polymer Chemistry Through Data Tools24:16 The Paradigm Shift in Polymer Chemistry24:45 Challenges in Chem Informatics25:36 Understanding Polymer Mixtures26:20 Capturing Molecular Diversity27:04 Innovative Data Tools for Polymers27:45 The Importance of Learning and Creativity29:04 Developing a Stochastic Representation31:00 Analogies in Scientific Discovery34:04 Educational Challenges and Innovations42:13 Balancing Science and Communication45:24 Environmental Passion and Personal Reflections48:46 Future of Scientists in Society📣 Guest⁠Bradley D. Olsen, Ph.D.⁠ | Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyHost:⁠⁠Vanessa Rosa, Ph.D⁠⁠., is the founder of ⁠⁠Science with Impact⁠⁠, where we partner with research organizations to translate STEM advancements into measurable societal benefits beyond academia.🙌🏽 Want to collaborate?If you know of a research organization seeking support in:Measuring (program evaluation, statistics/data analysis, and reporting) orCommunicating (illustration/animation, data visualization, and presentations)the impact of their STEM research, ⁠⁠click here to connect them with Dr. Rosa⁠⁠. ❤️ Love the cause?Our mission is to provide grants and supplemental awards to research scientists and organizations that have a broader societal impact. To support this mission, we've established a ⁠⁠nonprofit⁠⁠. ⁠⁠Click this link to donate to a specific initiative⁠⁠.🙌🏽 Enjoying the content?Here are 3 things you can do to help other research scientists see this content:⁠⁠Click here to subscribe to the newsletter⁠⁠ and receive case studies, conversations, and resources for broadening the societal impacts of STEM research.Subscribe to or review our podcast on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Apple⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠, or ⁠⁠Substack⁠⁠ to help others interested in impactful science find us!Do you know someone who embodies the phrase "impactful scientist?" If so, please click here to ⁠⁠nominate a speaker⁠⁠.Thank you for all you do to broaden the societal impacts of STEM research.Sincerely,The Team at Science with Impact

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