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Keynote speaker: Dr. Scott McLuckey, John A. Leighty Distinguished Professor, Department of Chemistry, Purdue University
Creativity with a Capital “C”: Laying the Framework for Making a Lasting Difference
Most scientists would like to see their ideas have a significant and lasting impact at some level, be it on society, on a scientific discipline or sub-discipline, on the direction of a company, etc. In the realm of scientific research, there are, by definition, many unknowns. As a result, the selection of research directions entails unavoidable risks. However, success and failure in research is hardly random. Some scientists are consistently more successful than others. While effort is certainly a necessary factor in a successful career in research, it is hardly sufficient. The tendency for generating novelty is usually what distinguishes the most successful scientists from the rest. This ability is often a combination of both creativity and discovery. Discovery is the observation and recognition of a novel phenomenon and this often leads to a creative new idea. There is no simple algorithm for the generation of an important new idea. However, there are practices and approaches that tend to favor or disfavor creativity. Being aware of how discoveries are often made and the characteristics of people that tend to make them can guide groups to instill an environment/culture that tends to maximize discovery. This presentation describes the overall process by which new ideas become part of the culture of a discipline that is passed from one generation to the next. These are the ideas that make a lasting difference. This is followed by a description of how creativity usually works and the characteristics of people capable of having good ideas and bringing them to fruition. The presentation is aimed at scientists in training, such as graduate students and post-docs. However, research advisors might also find the presentation to be useful as it can form a basis of discussion and reinforcement in establishing a productive and creative research program that relies on emerging scientists.
