Postdoc Academy Workshop: Research and Creativity

New

Creativity is thought to be associated with the arts, less so with research. Science is perceived as factual, rational and methodical. The scientific process is by nature very methodical - an experiment is designed to test a hypothesis - some would argue that this process doesn't leave much room for creativity.

Yet where does the hypothesis come from in the first place? How do you make sense of data that don’t fit the initial hypothesis? How can you assemble the pieces of a scientific puzzle to write a coherent research article?

Researchers do need a great deal of mental agility, a capacity to navigate complex ideas, and the ability to view things from multiple perspectives in order to succeed. In other words, a researcher’s creativity is an integral part of their work.

This workshop will start with a discussion on the nature of creativity and the role of intuition in research. Participants will then engage in a series of playful and creative activities to better assess their abilities, gain confidence and understand what promotes and hinders their own creativity.

At the end of the training, you will be able to:

• silence your inner critic
• give space to your own creativity
• enjoy the playfulness of creativity
• co-create and be a better team player.

Please note: when you book this course, on the booking confirmation page, select Add to Calendar to start importing the appointment to your calendar.

This is one of the formal development opportunities that you can engage with as part of your minimum 10 days (pro rata) of professional development under the Researcher Development Concordat (2019). To learn more about the Concordat, the responsibilities of the University and its research staff therein, please visit our Professional Development Guidance page.

Postdocs

If you do not have a CRSID or are otherwise unable to book via the UTBS booking system, please contact development.pda@admin.cam.ac.uk.

Number of sessions: 1

In-person workshop

The session will be delivered by Dr Samuel Lagier.

Samuel is a public speaking trainer and coach, and founder of SamSpeaksScience helping experts communicate their knowledge. He specialises in communication, collaboration and creativity. Since 2015, he’s helped researchers around Europe to secure grants, get jobs and engage with society. Samuel coached, curated and hosted the TEDxLausanne conference for 7 years. He is a member of the Cambridge University Science Improv group, the science-entertainment collective The Catalyst and the improvised comedy troupe The Renegade Saints.

2 hours