Top 70 Science Influencers in 2026
The September 2026 snapshot of top 70 science influencers in 2026 covers 70 public Instagram profiles with 30M combined followers. Median audience size is 72.3K (mean 433K), which tells you the typical creator on this list is smaller than the headline names — a few large accounts pull the average up.
Average engagement across the ranking is 3% (median 3%). That is 0.8pp below the 3.8% science industry midpoint we use for 2026 Instagram, and 1.5pp above the ~1.55% all-niche Instagram average. Followers are relatively spread out — the top three hold 38.9% of combined reach, which is healthier if you want a diversified creator mix.
On this mix, a single organic feed post typically budgets $2,446–$9,349 and a Reel $4,218–$14,365 before usage rights (public 2026 Instagram bands, weighted by the follower-tier mix on this page and a 0.95× science premium). A five-creator test usually lands around $12,230–$46,745.
Key takeaways for science in September 2026
- David Attenborough, Bill Nye, Mark Rober currently sit at the top of this science ranking.
- Follower mix: 8.6% nano, 45.7% micro, 27.1% mid, 14.3% mega. Dominant tier: micro.
- Geography: 3 countries on the list, led by Ireland (1.4%) and South Africa (1.4%).
- 67 profiles link out to a live or curated Instagram handle; 67 are verified public figures with self-hosted photos.
- Highest engagement on the list is kristinmoonscience at 6.7%, which is not the largest audience (David Attenborough at 5.5M). That gap is the usual “don’t sort only by followers” lesson.
- Do not brief a hobby account like a lifestyle page. If they teach quilting, the product has to live in a quilting workflow.
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Science Influencers ranked
David Attenborough Mega
@davidattenboroughAccount no longer active. Legacy of stories from David Attenborough & A Life On Our Planet team. View highlights to follow inspiring accounts.
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Bill Nye Mega
@billnyeBill Nye is a science influencer with a global audience and an engaged Instagram following. Reach out via their profile for collaborations and partnerships.
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Mark Rober Mega
@markroberFormer NASA & Apple engineer. Current YouTuber and friend of science. Founder of
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Michael Stevens Mega
@electricpantsMichael Stevens is a science public figure with a global audience and an engaged Instagram following. Reach out via their profile for collaborations and partnerships.
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Hank Green Mega
@hankgreenI may have taught you biology.Subscribe to my newsletter We’re Here!
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Joseph Herscher Mega
@josephsmachinesInventor of unuseless machines.
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Emily Calandrelli Mega
@thespacegalMIT Aerospace engineer + Emmy-nominated TV host✍🏻 NYTimes Best Selling Author▶️ Emily's Science Lab on YouTube🧑🏼🚀100th Woman in Space
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Adam Savage Mega
@therealadamsavageis editor-in-chief of , and author of Former co-host of
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Nigel Braun Mega
@nile.redCapturing the natural beauty of chemistryFind me on YouTube:
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
The Hacksmith Mega
@thehacksmith🎬 15M on YouTube turning fictional technology into reality🛒 Designing awesome products for
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Colin Furze Macro
@realcolinfurzeHome to the epic home tunnel system and crazy inventionsIt's amazing what can come under/out of my garden shed!MERCH and LATEST VIDEO in link below.
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Scott Kelly Macro
@stationcdrkellyFormer NASA Astronaut & US Navy Captain Inquires: Keppler Speakers or United Talent Agency Husband to , Brother of
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Simone Giertz Macro
@simonegiertzI build things and make videos about it. Founder of Latest video:
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Chris Hadfield Mid
@colchrishadfieldCanadian Astronaut and Spaceship Commander, author, TV host, public speaker, moustache aficionado, musician, professor, proud father, loving husband.
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Steve Mould Mid
@stevemouldscienceSteve Mould is a science content creator with a global audience and an engaged Instagram following. Reach out via their profile for collaborations and partnerships.
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Dianna Cowern Mid
@thephysicsgirlBusiness inquiries: Youtube.com/physicsgirl
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Phil Torres Mid
@phil_torresJungle Guy, Entomologist, Educator 🦋🌿Co-Host of on
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Destin Wilson Sandlin Mid
@smartereverydayI'm Destin. I seek truth and like to share what I learn with others… on YouTube
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Dominic Andre Mid
@dominicandre_🇵🇸🇱🇧Middle EasternExclusive MENA Dating App👇🏾Join the waitlist now👇🏾
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Nick Uhas Mid
@nickuhas🇺🇸 Amazing science videos 🧪🥼 🥽 for business enquiries:
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
William Osman Mid
@crabsandscienceBuy tickets to Open Sauce
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Samantha Yammine Mid
@science.sam🧠 Science Communicator🔬 PhD in Neuroscience & Cell Biology🫶🏼 I make science less blah so we can appreciate ourselves & the world more🇱🇧🇨🇦
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Kyle Hill Mid
@sci_phileAward-winning science educator. White House sci-comm advisor. Nuclear comms consultant. ambassador. “A legend.” -
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Shane Kimbrough Mid
@astro_kimbroughNASA Astronaut, US Army Colonel, AH-64 Apache pilot, husband, father, Christian. Proud Quanta employee - our people power modern life
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Athena Brensberger Mid
@astroathensAstronomer 🔭 Science Communicator💫PBS NOVA: WHAT THE PHYSICS! 🖥️ YTCBS Mission Unstoppable Season 5 🚀 📺 TV
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Sci Show Mid
@thescishowScience & shenanigans from your fave science YouTube channel. Find us on Youtube and TikTok
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Daniel Toker Mid
@the_brain_scientistNeuroscientist at UCLA B.A. from Princeton, Ph.D. from BerkeleyConsciousness | Brains | A.I. | Mental Health 🌱
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Dr Karl Kruszelnicki Mid
@doctor_karlAustralian science broadcaster & author.A Periodic Tale: My Sciencey Memoir (2024)I do not endorse any commercial products.
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Darrion Nguyen Mid
@lab_shenanigansDarrion Nguyen is a science creator with a global audience and an engaged Instagram following. Reach out via their profile for collaborations and partnerships.
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Dr. Kate Biberdorf Mid
@katethechemistPh.D Chemist 🤓 Chemistry Professor🧪Bestselling Author📚 Pyromaniac🔥Host of NPR's 💥
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Estefannie Mid
@estefannieggfeminine rage tech 💕✨️💅 🌴 Los Angeles
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Joan Marie Mid
@yourfemaleengineer🚀: Engineer, Keynote Speaker, SciComm👩🏽🔬: Space + STEM + Motivation + Career Advice 🗣: Empowering minorities to pursue careers in STEM🇵🇷
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Jake Roper Micro
@jakerawrJake Roper is a science creator with a global audience and an engaged Instagram following. Reach out via their profile for collaborations and partnerships.
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Chris Sutherland Micro
@sutherlandphysChris Sutherland is a science influencer with a global audience and an engaged Instagram following. Reach out via their profile for collaborations and partnerships.
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Dr Fiann Smithwick Micro
@fms.fossils🦖 UK-based Palaeontologist🦕 Sharing my fossils🤓 Scientific researchCheck out my shop ⬇️⛰️ Outdoor adventures🏋️♂️ Fitness
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Amy Atwater Micro
@mary_annings_revengeDirector of Paleontology | Author: The Fossil Keeper’s Treasure | Co-host | Pres-Elect, Colorado Sci Soc | Views my own
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Amy Shira Teitel Micro
@amyshirateitelHistorian and author; FIGHTING FOR SPACE. YouTube: AmyShiraTeitel. Twitch: theSpaceVixen.
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Maddie Moate Micro
@maddiemoateBAFTA winning TV Presenter, Author, YouTuber📺 Maddie's Do You Know/Show Me The Honey/Make Yourself at Home. Link to my YouTube Channel 👇🏻
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Greg Brown Micro
@whalewatchmeplzGreg Brown is a science content creator with a global audience and an engaged Instagram following. Reach out via their profile for collaborations and partnerships.
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Raquel Nuno Micro
@thespacegeologistIn my offline era 💁🏻♀️ Planetary Scientist | Mother x4 | Air Force Veteran | From: 🇵🇹 | Astrophotography newb 🔭 Stay nerdy!
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Kevin Lieber Micro
@kevlieberSupport Vsauce2 on Patreon.
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Emily Graslie Micro
@egraslie🎨👩🏼🎨 Artist: shop now! 🥳 emilygraslie.com/shop🎥Creator ✨🦋🏛🎥 EP, Host & Writer 🦕🚘
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Dr. Alok Patel Micro
@alokpatelmd🎥 Producer / Host / Physician📺 ABC News medical contributor🗽 Host "Patel It Like It Is" 👨🏾⚕️ 🦈 LETS CHAT
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Aaron Pomerantz Micro
@nextgenscientistAssociate Director, Global Segment Marketing PhD, UC Berkeley, Integrative Biology. The coolest discoveries are the ones you make!
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
ACS Reactions Micro
@acsreactions“Pretty much correct, occasionally entertaining.” — partner with
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Vanessa Hill Micro
@nessyhill🙋🏻♀️ Aussie sleep scientist helping you feel less tired😴 sleep & habits PhD researcher 🧠 longtime YouTuber 🇦🇺 NYC / SYD
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Dr Rohin Francis Micro
@medcrisisConsultant cardiologist🫀Dad, doctor, dorkYouTube Medlife Crisis (more than 5 subscribers) on IG much, won’t see DMs
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Shini Somara Micro
@drshinisomaraIntellectual Wanderer🚶🏾♀️PhD Fluid Dynamics🌪️Mechanical Engineer👷🏾♀️7x STEM Author📚 Innovation obsessed 📺TV🎙️ Podcaster 📐Widening STEM Participation
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Kevin J DeBruin Micro
@kevinjdebruinI’m a Space Expert & Doer of Many Things💫 🛰 NASA Rocket Scientist (fmr) | Aerospace Engineer
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Joe Hanson Micro
@drjoehansonYour cool science dad. I make for Nerdy by nature.🏠 Austin, TX⬇️ click the link below to see what I’m up to ⬇️
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Kallie Moore Micro
@fossil_librarianScience Communicator🦕Host - 🦣Manager - Paleo Collection at 📖 Author - Tales of the Prehistoric World
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Nina Chhita Micro
@nina.draws.scientistsSharing stories about the incredible people behind the discoveries and illustrating them to 🔬🎨✨
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Esther Odekunle Micro
@science.uncoveredSenior Research ScientistBiochemistry ➡️ Neurobiology ➡️ Therapeutic antibodies🧪🔬All things science 🔭🧬📍 Vancouver
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Ella Marushchenko Micro
@ella_maruScientific illustrator🖌+🔬Designed covers for all leading journals.🔬⚛Twitter: Ella_Maru.Project requests:
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Mark Langtry Micro
@mark_thescienceguyScience TV Presenter & ProducerTheoretical Physicist |Meteorology🌪|Climate ScienceFormer Pro FootballerHead of Science & Sport
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Jade Micro
@upndatomJust a girl trying to understand the universe through Wikipedia articles. Latest YouTube video ⬇️
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Kaan Mika Micro
@slice_of_science👨🏼🔬 Molecular biologist 🦟🎤 Science communicator 🤓 Science classes for 7-10 children 🇹🇷 Check out my science magazine below ⬇️
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Ziyad Micro
@thegrumblinggutZiyad is a science influencer with a global audience and an engaged Instagram following. Reach out via their profile for collaborations and partnerships.
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Rob Nelson Micro
@untamedscienceI'm a Biologist teaching about our wild worldUntamedScience.com / StoneAgeMan.comWildlife, Biomes, Bushcraft on Youtube
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Dave Farina Micro
@daveexplainsScience communicator, author, and cheese enthusiast.1,000+ tutorials at Professor Dave Explains on YouTube, and check out my book today!
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Dr. Mark Coster. Micro
@organicchemexplained➤ OChem tips, tricks and practice Q's 👀➤ PhD | University of Cambridge 🎓➤ Adj. A/Prof. | Organic Chemistry 👨🔬⇩ Click here for OChem help! ⇩
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Dr Georgia Atkin-Smith Nano
@someblondescientistDr Georgia Atkin-Smith - Aussie Woman & ScientistPostdoc x Public Speaking x Cell Death 👩🏼🔬🇦🇺Keeping it real in the science world.
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Sara Marie Nano
@science.with.saraPlanetary Geologist ⚒️ Geochemist ⚗️ PhD Student 📚 Analog astronaut 👨🚀 I talk about rocks, chemistry, planetary sci, and grad school problems!
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Trina Espinoza Nano
@msbeautyphile🧪 Science Show Host, 💄 Cosmetic Science, 🩺🥼Producer,
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
kristinmoonscience Nano
@kristinmoonscienceDr. Kristin Moon 🧪 Veteran Homeschool Mom 👩🏻🔬Online Science Teacher 🖥 Microbiologist 🧫 Let me help you understand, teach, and LOVE science! 🧬
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Elissia Nano
@theresearchherYour resource for realness & research Studying Blk womxn through science & storytellingPowered by Research Her, LLC⇣ 60K+ Listens ⇣
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Zaid Suhail Nano
@scientificallyexplainedI make YouTube videos on science explaining things you wonder 🔬🔎📚Electrical EngineerTwitter: scixp 🐦TikTok: same as InstaYouTube Channel 🎥⬇️⬇️⬇️
Contact: via Instagram profile ↗
Elsa Carter Micro Dublin
@elsacarterScience educator from Dublin. Posts about community tips, tutorials, and connecting with an engaged community.
Contact: via Instagram profile
Taylor Mwangi Micro Johannesburg
@taylordailyEnthusiast and science creator known for reviews. Open to brand partnerships and collaborations.
Contact: via Instagram profile
Reese Carvalho Micro Hyderabad
@kingreeseScience content creator from Hyderabad. Posts about how-to content, behind-the-scenes, and connecting with an engaged community.
Contact: via Instagram profile
No creators match these filters.
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Estimated Instagram rates for this mix
Planning ranges from public 2026 Instagram bands, weighted by the follower-tier mix on this page and a 0.95× science adjustment. They are not quotes from the creators below. Usage rights and whitelisting typically add 30–50%.
| Deliverable | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Typical feed post on this list | $2,446 | $9,349 |
| Typical Reel on this list | $4,218 | $14,365 |
| Five-creator test campaign (feed) | $12,230 | $46,745 |
What this science influencers ranking actually shows
How-to content with a named method. Tiny specialist audiences punch above their follower weight on conversion because every viewer is already in-market. On this specific list the median account has been posting since around 2013 (average age ~10.8 years; oldest 2011, newest 2024) with roughly 4,651 posts — enough history that you can actually audit a grid before you brief.
Primary language on the roster is English (98.6%). A meaningful secondary slice is Hindi (1.4%) — write the caption language into the brief if you care about comment quality.
Where gender is labelled, the split is 25 female / 40 male (5 unlabelled). Use that as a casting hint, not a quota.
Follower-tier mix
| Tier | Creators | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Nano (<10K) | 6 | 8.6% |
| Micro (10K–100K) | 32 | 45.7% |
| Mid (100K–500K) | 19 | 27.1% |
| Macro (500K–1M) | 3 | 4.3% |
| Mega (1M+) | 10 | 14.3% |
Where they are based
| Country | Creators | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Ireland | 1 | 1.4% |
| South Africa | 1 | 1.4% |
| India | 1 | 1.4% |
How to brief science influencers
- The creator is an expert — let them reject a talking point that would embarrass them in their community.
- Send the actual tool/product, not just talking points.
- Saves and tutorial completions beat raw views.
Formats that usually work here: tutorial Reels, tool reviews, community AMAs, before/after carousels. Read the ranking methodology or the 2026 rate guide.
Science Influencers vs related lists
Science Influencers averages 0.2pp more engagement than AI Influencers and has a smaller median audience (72.3K vs 137K).
Science Influencers averages 1.1pp more engagement than Cosplay Influencers and has a smaller median audience (72.3K vs 623K).
Science Influencers averages 0.7pp less engagement than Watch Influencers and has a larger median audience (72.3K vs 27.6K).
| List | Creators | Median followers | Avg. ER |
|---|---|---|---|
| Science Influencers (this page) | 70 | 72.3K | 3% |
| AI Influencers | 70 | 137K | 2.8% |
| Cosplay Influencers | 100 | 623K | 1.9% |
| Watch Influencers | 100 | 27.6K | 3.7% |
Snapshot compiled September 2026 from 70 ranked profiles (67 verified public figures, 3 additional directory listings). Industry engagement midpoints and rate bands are public 2026 Instagram benchmarks, not private platform data. Full methodology.
Science Influencers — frequently asked questions
Who are the top science influencers in 2026?
Our September 2026 ranking of 70 science influencers is led by David Attenborough, Bill Nye, Mark Rober. Combined they represent 30M followers, with an average engagement of 3%. 67 entries are verified public figures. The order blends audience size with engagement so a quiet mega-account does not automatically beat a louder mid-tier creator.
How is this science list ranked?
Creators are ordered by a blend of followers, engagement rate and posting consistency. Verified public figures with self-hosted photos surface first when we have them. The page also publishes the list’s own maths — median 72.3K followers, 3% average ER, 38.9% of reach in the top three — so you can see whether you are looking at a concentrated or diversified niche.
What engagement rate is good for science Instagram accounts?
For science we treat ~3.8% as the 2026 industry midpoint (specialist hobbies (how-to, pets, crafts, education) are Instagram’s engagement leaders in 2026 tables). This list averages 3%, which is 0.8pp below that midpoint. Nano and micro accounts should beat the midpoint; mega accounts can sit well below it and still be efficient on raw impressions.
How much do science influencers charge in 2026?
Using public Instagram rate bands weighted by this list’s follower mix and a 0.95× niche adjustment, one organic feed post on a typical account here is $2,446–$9,349; a Reel is $4,218–$14,365. Usage rights, exclusivity and whitelisting usually add 30–50%. These are planning ranges, not quotes from the creators on this page.
Where are these science influencers based?
The ranking spans 3 countries. The largest shares are Ireland (1.4%), South Africa (1.4%), India (1.4%). If you need a single market, filter the table by country before you export a shortlist.
How can I contact these science influencers?
67 public figures on this page link through to Instagram. We do not publish private emails for real people. For a spreadsheet of campaign-ready contacts, request a targeted list — we only include adults who are publicly doing creator work.
How often is the science list updated?
Figures on this page were compiled for September 2026. Rankings move as follower counts, engagement and newly surfaced public figures change. Treat it as a current snapshot, not a lifetime league table.
What campaign formats work best with science?
The highest-performing briefs in this niche usually mix tutorial Reels, tool reviews and before/after carousels. Lead with one hero Reel, support it with a feed post or carousel, and keep Stories for time-sensitive offers or codes.