Impact Science

The Science of Getting to Radical Social and Environmental Breakthroughs

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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.

What the Book Covers

Part I: The Problem Why research alone doesn’t change the world, and the gap between knowledge and impact.

Part II: The Method The tools and frameworks that turn scientific findings into policy, products, and systemic change.

Part III: Case Studies From ozone to climate to global development — what worked, what didn’t, and why.

Part IV: Your Path How to design your own impact trajectory as a scientist in any field.

About the Book

From the Writing

“The Montreal Protocol succeeded not because scientists discovered the problem — they did that quickly. It succeeded because scientists refused to stay in the lab and instead became advocates, translators, and partners with policymakers. That is Impact Science.”

Also available through ImpactScience.dev — consulting and advisory for organizations wanting to apply the methodology.