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?

1. Research scientists seeking to broaden the real-world impact of their work.
2. Graduate students and postdocs exploring the scientist–engineer continuum
3. Outreach professionals and program designers developing culturally sensitive initiatives

Brad’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 Science

01:00 The Importance of Societal Impact in Research

01:40 Meet Brad Olson: Background and Collaborations

02:30 Inspiring the Next Generation of Scientists

05:05 The Intersection of Science and Engineering

06:00 Challenges in Measuring Outreach Impact

10:48 International Outreach and Cultural Sensitivity

15:23 The Joy of Lifelong Learning

20:26 Advancing Polymer Chemistry Through Data Tools

24:16 The Paradigm Shift in Polymer Chemistry

24:45 Challenges in Chem Informatics

25:36 Understanding Polymer Mixtures

26:20 Capturing Molecular Diversity

27:04 Innovative Data Tools for Polymers

27:45 The Importance of Learning and Creativity

29:04 Developing a Stochastic Representation

31:00 Analogies in Scientific Discovery

34:04 Educational Challenges and Innovations

42:13 Balancing Science and Communication

45:24 Environmental Passion and Personal Reflections

48:46 Future of Scientists in Society

📣 Guest⁠Bradley D. Olsen, Ph.D.⁠ | Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Host:

⁠⁠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:

1. Measuring (program evaluation, statistics/data analysis, and reporting) or

2. Communicating (illustration/animation, data visualization, and presentations)

the impact of their STEM research, ⁠⁠click here to connect them with Dr. Rosa⁠⁠.

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⁠⁠Click this link to donate to a specific initiative⁠⁠.

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Thank you for all you do to broaden the societal impacts of STEM research.

Sincerely,

The Team at Science with Impact