What, Why & Who

Changing the way people navigate change.

Science and research related to personal change has existed for decades, but never in a field dedicated to or under the name of “change science.” It has come from other diverse disciplines, including psychology, behavioural economics and neuroscience

There are also, inevitably, gaps between change science and its application. Deep knowledge and new thinking often remain in the realm of academia, while popular approaches and solutions to widespread challenges could benefit from scientific rigour and evidence.

The Change Science Institute aims to bring together different aspects of change science, and to translate and apply that science in ways that are accessible and usable.

This is articulated in our purpose: to help people better navigate changes in their lives through the useful application of change science.

And it’s expressed in principles that guide us to make sure our work is:

Usable

With practical application for navigating change.

Credible

Science-based, well-researched, and validated.

Empowering

Promoting confidence and optimism around change.

Non-prescriptive

Offering tools and information, not advice or instruction.

What, Why & Who

Changing the way people navigate change.

The Change Science Institute aims to bring together different aspects of change science, and to translate and apply that science in ways that are accessible and usable.

This is articulated in our purpose: to help people better navigate changes in their lives through the useful application of change science.

And it’s expressed in principles that guide us to make sure our work is:

Usable

With practical application for navigating change.

Credible

Science-based, well-researched, and validated.

Empowering

Promoting confidence and optimism around change.

Non-prescriptive

Offering tools and information, not advice or instruction.

Made just for your by

Our founding partner

BrightRock

BrightRock is a financial services provider, and creator of “the world’s first ever needs-matched life insurance that changes as your life changes.” It is deeply invested in its purpose of helping people better navigate change in their lives, both through its products, and by promoting access to science-based tools and resources.

Academic partner

Our academic partner

Henley Business School Africa

Henley Business School is among the 1% of business schools internationally to be triple-accredited. With an 80-year history and campuses on three continents, it brings outstanding academic rigour and credibility to the Change Science Institute, as well as access to a vast pool of academics, alumni and students. The Change Science Institute sits within the Henley Africa Centre for Emerging Market Consumer Studies, led by Professor Danie Petzer.

Become a partner

If you’re a researcher, academic or business that champions science, and you’re interested in sharing your expertise to support the purpose and work of the Change Science Institute, send us a message.

Our people

Nicola Kleyn

(Change Science Explorer)

Professor Nicola Kleyn is a former Dean at the Rotterdam School of Management and the GIBS Business School. Though her background is in a relevant but different field, she describes herself as “change science curious” and sees her role as a combination of enquirer, searcher, synthesiser, translator and reporter of change science.

Brendan Wade

(Executive Lead, Change Science Institute)

With a career spanning startups, fintech & strategy, Brendan’s enduring fascination lies in change science and its power to help people embrace change with clarity and agency. He has led the exploration and application of change science at BrightRock and now steers the vision and direction of the Change Science Institute, where his work bridges theory and practice to shape a new field of impact.