ρυθμός

1. Provide opportunities for scientists to interact with experts outside their field 

In particular, those from the social and behavioural specialities and from “non-scientific” disciplines such as the visual and performing arts. These interactions entail hard work by everyone concerned, developing common languages which encourage cross-fertilisation of ideas. As George Bernard Shaw said, “If you have an apple and I have an apple and we exchange these apples, then you and I will still each have one apple. But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange these ideas, then each of us will have two ideas.” In this context the role of the “expert generalist” is valuable in bringing lateral thinking and an ability to “connect the dots” to make connections between different disciplines and sectors.

2. Create the conditions for “creative” thinking as well as for “routine” scientific work

These include time, space and resources for exploratory, playful conversation without an obvious or predetermined goal. Though this ludic aspect of scientific thinking is regularly overlooked, it is often through doodling and play that the most powerful insights arise. Yet, creative “space” is not often part of science infrastructure, although there is a growing movement of initiatives aiming to fill this gap such as the Serendipity Programme, the Centre for Unusual Collaborations and the Arista Institute.

3. Develop ways to communicate the inherent provisionality of science

This means communicating in meaningful ways to those working in government and wider society. Scientists need to share the processes of their work as well as its outcomes. There is also a need to show what can and cannot be known for certain, and to develop an open dialogue around uncertainty and risk. At the same time we need to develop a scientific lingua franca that allows effective communication across specialty boundaries and creates dialogue across disciplines and different sectors so that valuable science insights can be woven into broader decision making.

Source: Word Economic Forum

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