Prisca Liberali, a senior group leader at a biomedical research institute, shares insights into the creative process, the role of curiosity, and risk-taking in science. They discuss the differences and similarities in approaches to creativity between scientists and artists. The podcast also explores the importance of 'why' questions in science and the role of conferences in scientific research.
Recursive thinking is a key aspect of creative problem-solving in scientific research.
Scientific collaboration and feedback foster innovation and shape scientific thinking.
Deep dives
The luxury of testing ideas
Scientists have the luxury of testing their ideas to determine if they are true. This process provides a unique moment of realization and excitement when they are the only ones who know the truth. Sharing these findings with colleagues fosters a sense of camaraderie.
The importance of flexibility and independence
Scientists value the flexibility and independence their work provides. They have the ability to build their research based on their own ideas and interests. This freedom allows them to continuously learn and adapt to new challenges.
The significance of feedback and collaboration
Feedback and collaboration with colleagues play a crucial role in the creative process. Scientists greatly value conversations, presentations, and conferences that provide opportunities for discussing new data, exchanging ideas, and receiving constructive criticism. These interactions help shape their thinking and foster innovation.
The subjective nature of good ideas
Determining whether an idea is good or bad in science can be subjective, as it depends on the individual scientist's perspective. Factors such as personal interest, feasibility, and the potential impact of an idea are considered. The feedback and opinions of the scientific community also influence the assessment of an idea's validity and relevance.
Prisca Liberali is a senior group leader at the Friedrich Miescher Institute for Biomedical Research in Switzerland. In this episode, Prisca tells us how her creative thinking thrives on recursive thinking – going deeper and deeper into a problem from different angles. Prisca also deliberately uses carefully chosen conferences to discuss and to develop ongoing projects. As much as her lab’s creativity is an inextricable part of the process, she admits that at the core it’s a lonely job. What eases leadership in the lab is learning who you are: which tasks you find easy and which tasks require excessive energy – and then sharing that information with your team members.
For more information on Night Science, visit https://www.biomedcentral.com/collections/night-science .
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