I recently blogged on the subject of curiosity and how, among many things, it fuels our energy and creativity. In a similar vein I wanted to share with you a recent paper highlighting the role of fostering creativity to combat increasingly predictable research and fuel innovation.
In a recent article titled "Creativity as an Antidote to Predictable Research," Markus Baer, Anja Groth, Anders H Lund, and Katrine Sonne-Hansen shed light on the declining landscape of creativity in scientific research. They emphasize the urgent need to rekindle innovative exploration in an increasingly predictable research environment.
The authors illustrate their point by recounting the remarkable discovery of Thermus aquaticus by Thomas Brock in Yellowstone National Park. Initially overlooked, this finding eventually led to the revolutionary development of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technology, which significantly impacted biomedicine and earned Kary Mullis the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1993.
The paper underscores the crucial necessity for a shift in the current research culture. The authors advocate for a reimagined academic environment that fosters curiosity-driven research, offers autonomy, and embraces uncertainty to pave the way for groundbreaking discoveries. Their compelling arguments highlight the importance of encouraging risk-taking, detours, and speculation, without fear of failure.
To cultivate creativity, the authors propose embracing interdisciplinary learning, enabling researchers to explore analogous problems, and promoting collaborations across disciplines. They also stress the importance of intrinsic motivation, the freedom to make mistakes, and the value of a culture that encourages curiosity-driven exploration over rigid, milestone-driven projects.
The authors suggest a team-based approach, advocating for a culture of inclusivity and psychological safety. They highlight the significance of providing 'creative oases,' spaces that encourage risk-taking and speculative thinking, which are vital for fostering innovation.
In summary, the authors call for a paradigm shift in research practices, urging research organizations to prioritize actions that nurture creativity. Encouraging ventures into the unknown and redefining traditional research paradigms could potentially lead to groundbreaking scientific discoveries and innovations.
Markus Baer et al. The EMBO Journal 42: e112835 | 2023
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