O'Shaughnessy Ventures LLC has announced the selection of Jolie Gans as a 2026 O'Shaughnessy Fellow, recognizing her work with "The Distressed Scientists' Department." The fellowship, confirmed by Jim O'Shaughnessy via social media, supports Gans in her mission to transform science communication into a cultural institution. This appointment underscores OSV's commitment to fostering innovative thinkers and projects that bridge various disciplines.
"I'm delighted to welcome @joliegans as a 2026 @osvllc Fellow!" Jim O'Shaughnessy stated in his tweet, highlighting the significance of Gans's inclusion in the program. The O'Shaughnessy Fellowship provides recipients with up to $100,000 in equity-free funding and access to OSV's extensive network of founders, investors, and experts. OSV aims to award up to 20 such fellowships in 2026, backing individuals who are "building, researching, and creating" to advance civilization.
Jolie Gans, a writer based in San Francisco, is the force behind "The Distressed Scientists' Department," a publication that explores science as a cultural subject. Her work delves into the history, aesthetics, and human aspects of scientific discovery, often focusing on overlooked stories like failed experiments and the personal journeys of researchers. Gans plans to leverage the fellowship to evolve her publication into a lasting science-culture institution, integrating writing, print, and live exhibitions.
After studying computational neuroscience at MIT, Gans transitioned from academia to focus on science storytelling. She launched the first volume of her publication in November 2025, drawing an audience of over 350 people. Her writing has appeared in publications such as Core Memory and Asterisk Magazine, and she has co-curated exhibitions at notable venues like San Francisco's Chase Center and the MIT Media Lab.
O'Shaughnessy Ventures, founded by Jim O'Shaughnessy, operates as a creative investment firm dedicated to empowering creators across various fields. The firm supports ambitious seed and pre-seed startups and individuals through initiatives like the O'Shaughnessy Fellowships program. Jim O'Shaughnessy commented on Gans's selection, stating, "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."
