Ideas on Demand
Strategies for greater creativity in research
Workshop Goal
Science runs on new ideas: to advance knowledge (and their careers), scientists regularly need to find novel ways of thinking about and studying the world.
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However, being original at will often is hard. As a consequence, we stick to conventional wisdom or resort to routines even when novel directions would be needed.
Ideas on Demand workshops introduce and practice strategies to enhance creative thinking in science. As a result, participants will be able to deliberately generate novel ideas and solve challenges in their research in a timely and inventive manner.
Topics
Ideas on Demand workshops can focus on one or several dimensions of creativity in science:
Developing original research questions: The question guiding a research project strongly determines its originality. What makes a question in science both innovative and likely to resonate with the scientific community? Participants will learn principles of question-development used by eminent scientists to initiate research accelerating both their fields and personal careers.
Problem-solving: Throughout any research project, scientists will encounter unforeseen challenges (e.g. interpreting unusual observations, adjusting the research design to novel circumstances). Given that the human brain tends to first apply established routines even to unusual problems, one can get easily stuck trying to resolve such challenges. Acquire strategies for adopting new perspectives and modifying your standard procedures so that you can resolve unexpected problems swiftly.
Imagination: Progress in science often is achieved through creating and exploring hypothetical worlds (e.g. thought experiments, counterfactuals). The imagination required for constructing alternative worlds, however, does not come easy to scientists who are primarily trained in logical modes of thinking. Find out what mental tactics allow you to systematically create insightful hypothetical scenarios.
Brainstorming: To develop ideas, scientists often come together with their colleagues. Yet, given the social dynamics inherent in groups, a collection of individuals will only perform creatively if specific conditions are in place. Obtain principles of and formats for group creativity and thus the means to facilitate the collective generation of ideas.
Selecting ideas: Phases of idea-generation often result in a large number of suggestions for further pursuit. Given limited resources, one then has to select the most promising proposals for implementation. Get to know methods for strategically deciding between ideas and thus for making the most effective use of your inventiveness.
Testimonials
Participants appreciate the combination of theory and practical exercises in Ideas on Demand workshops as well as the rich opportunities for interaction and and lively presentations. The high standard of these events is reflected in the highly positive results in formal evaluations - a sample of which can be accessed here.
Some individual voices:
“It was one of the best training sessions that I have attended recently. The ideas that I gained from the workshop and the things that I learned about creativity will go a long way to contribute positively to my research career.”
„I usually find it difficult to come up with creative ideas in my scientific life. Now, after the course, I have the tools to find them.”
“The practical exercises really help to just get started and actually apply the techniques”
"What I particularly liked about the event was that the participants were always given time and space to practically apply the techniques presented. In the process, I realized to my delight that I am better able to develop new ideas and think creatively than I had previously thought."
Work with me
I am thrilled to find out how we can boost your creativity. Get in touch and we will figure out a training that suits your needs: via my contact form or directly per E-mail (contact@eureka-discoveries.com).