“Bruno is one of the most creative and thoughtful scientists that I know. In this work, he examines how to use science and technology to make this world a better place — critically important on a changing and increasingly complex planet.” — Dr. Ellen Stofan, Former NASA Chief Scientist and Director of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum
“If you liked ‘Freakonomics’, you will love this one.” — Najat Vallaud-Belkacem, Former France Minister of Education and Research
Impact Science
The Science of Getting to Radical Social and Environmental Breakthroughs
Why would a NASA rocket scientist move to Bhutan to plant hazelnuts? How could something as complex as the chemistry of the ozone hole lead to the Montreal Protocol — “the single most successful international agreement,” in the words of the UN Secretary General? How can we know so much about climate change and yet fail to move forward?
We have more scientists than ever before, more data than we ever dreamed, and technology in every aspect of life. And yet, there is still a stark polarization of opinions and a paralysis of action.
Impact Science explores — via stories of both success and failure — the weakening link between research-driven scientists focused on understanding, and the scientists who integrate an impact-driven attitude. Scientists are good with data, but it is not just about data: it is what we do with it. Facts do not change the world. People do.
About the Book
- License: Creative Commons BY 4.0
- GitHub: github.com/brunosan/impactscience-book
- Published: 2019 (continuously updated)
- Current version: 8.9
For advisory work drawing on the Impact Science framework, see Advisory.