#United States
#San Francisco
#O'Shaughnessy Ventures
#Jolie Gan
#The Distressed Scientists' Department
O'Shaughnessy Ventures Invests in Innovative Science Storytelling by Jolie Gan
In an exciting development for the world of science communication, O'Shaughnessy Ventures LLC (OSV), an investment firm dedicated to empowering creative minds, has awarded a prestigious O'Shaughnessy Fellowship to Jolie Gan, a talented writer based in San Francisco. This fellowship is designed to support innovative storytelling in science, and Gan plans to leverage it to expand her publication, The Distressed Scientists' Department (TDSD).
Founded with a vision to treat science as a vibrant cultural subject, TDSD aims to highlight stories often overshadowed by traditional science reporting, which typically focuses on successful outcomes and data-driven results. Instead, TDSD delves into the human elements of science, uncovering tales of failed experiments, the researchers behind groundbreaking discoveries, and the often messy processes of inquiry. Each themed edition immerses audiences in a single scientific idea, collaborating with writers, researchers, and artists to bring these narratives to life through both print and live exhibitions.
Jolie Gan's background is as compelling as her mission. After studying computational neuroscience at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), she decided to leave the academic world behind in pursuit of a career in science storytelling. Her journey has led her to curate exhibitions at prestigious venues such as the Chase Center in San Francisco and the MIT Media Lab, and she has contributed to numerous esteemed publications, including Core Memory and Asterisk Magazine.
The first volume of TDSD was launched in November 2025 at a well-attended event, drawing in an audience of over 350 people. The initiative garnered substantial financial backing from sponsors like Pebblebed, a venture capital firm, and Asimov Press, a notable science publisher. Gan has also worked as an operations director at a synthetic data startup, provided advisory services to early stage biotech teams, and played a significant role in developing health policy models for the Canadian government. Her impressive work has been recognized and supported by notable organizations including Fulbright Canada and Emergent Ventures.
Jim O'Shaughnessy, the founder and CEO of OSV, expressed his excitement about Gan’s innovative approach: "Scientific research is too exciting to be confined to stuffy journals. Jolie understands that, and she is building something that lets people experience the thrill of science the way they experience art."
With the support of the O'Shaughnessy Fellowship, Gan is determined to evolve TDSD into a resilient institution that celebrates science culture for years to come. She explains, "OSV understands that the people, money, and attention shaping science don't flow through traditional institutions the way they used to. By finding and reframing work early on, we can better shape and tell the story of scientific progress in this new era."
The O'Shaughnessy Fellowship Program, launched in 2023, seeks out and supports bold creative talents, providing grants up to $100,000 and access to a vibrant network of founders, investors, and experts. In 2026, OSV plans to award up to 20 fellowships, and Jolie Gan is proudly the eighth fellow to be announced this year.
As we look forward to the evolution of The Distressed Scientists' Department under Jolie Gan's guidance, it's clear that her venture is not just about publishing but about reshaping how we perceive and engage with science. With applications for the fellowship reopening on January 1, 2027, the future looks bright for innovative creators who aspire to make impactful changes in their fields.
Founded with a vision to treat science as a vibrant cultural subject, TDSD aims to highlight stories often overshadowed by traditional science reporting, which typically focuses on successful outcomes and data-driven results. Instead, TDSD delves into the human elements of science, uncovering tales of failed experiments, the researchers behind groundbreaking discoveries, and the often messy processes of inquiry. Each themed edition immerses audiences in a single scientific idea, collaborating with writers, researchers, and artists to bring these narratives to life through both print and live exhibitions.
Jolie Gan's background is as compelling as her mission. After studying computational neuroscience at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), she decided to leave the academic world behind in pursuit of a career in science storytelling. Her journey has led her to curate exhibitions at prestigious venues such as the Chase Center in San Francisco and the MIT Media Lab, and she has contributed to numerous esteemed publications, including Core Memory and Asterisk Magazine.
The first volume of TDSD was launched in November 2025 at a well-attended event, drawing in an audience of over 350 people. The initiative garnered substantial financial backing from sponsors like Pebblebed, a venture capital firm, and Asimov Press, a notable science publisher. Gan has also worked as an operations director at a synthetic data startup, provided advisory services to early stage biotech teams, and played a significant role in developing health policy models for the Canadian government. Her impressive work has been recognized and supported by notable organizations including Fulbright Canada and Emergent Ventures.
Jim O'Shaughnessy, the founder and CEO of OSV, expressed his excitement about Gan’s innovative approach: "Scientific research is too exciting to be confined to stuffy journals. Jolie understands that, and she is building something that lets people experience the thrill of science the way they experience art."
With the support of the O'Shaughnessy Fellowship, Gan is determined to evolve TDSD into a resilient institution that celebrates science culture for years to come. She explains, "OSV understands that the people, money, and attention shaping science don't flow through traditional institutions the way they used to. By finding and reframing work early on, we can better shape and tell the story of scientific progress in this new era."
The O'Shaughnessy Fellowship Program, launched in 2023, seeks out and supports bold creative talents, providing grants up to $100,000 and access to a vibrant network of founders, investors, and experts. In 2026, OSV plans to award up to 20 fellowships, and Jolie Gan is proudly the eighth fellow to be announced this year.
As we look forward to the evolution of The Distressed Scientists' Department under Jolie Gan's guidance, it's clear that her venture is not just about publishing but about reshaping how we perceive and engage with science. With applications for the fellowship reopening on January 1, 2027, the future looks bright for innovative creators who aspire to make impactful changes in their fields.
Topics People & Culture）
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