So why, in general, is science not considered a creative profession? Well, as science historian Laura Snyder pointed out, an unforeseen consequence of Whewell’s defining of the “modern scientist,” is “today’s disjunction between science and the rest of culture.” By being dissociated from artists—the musicians, painters, and poets—were scientists stripped of their capacity to be identified as creative?
I and others argue that creativity is inherent to science, but are external agents stifling that creativity? Agents such as shifted funding priorities and looming chants of “publish or perish.”
Despite progress in how scientists are extending their creativity to the way they communicate their findings, if there is a roadblock to creativity at the initial step of hypothesis formation, would that barricade scientists from honing their communication skills? What are the cascading effects of creatively-curbed scientists on the education and mentorship of future scientists?
The current state of creativity in science is unlikely to be improved upon simply or quickly.
So, where do we go from here?
From psychologist to dancer, the consensus is that creativity is a skill that can be sharpened. Would exercising creativity while communicating our science enhance our confidence in being creative at all stages of the scientific process?
I’ve fallen into many thought-avalanches trying to disentangle the connections among creativity, science, and science communication. We should continue having discussions about these connections. How can we embrace, cultivate and evaluate these connections?
I’ve asked a lot of questions here but have few answers. I do know that I am a scientist and I am creative. I still go to craft stores and buy glitter and googly eyes. I still write poems but the purple sweatpants have been packed away in the attic.
When I found myself in a scientific rut following my Ph.D., I was inspired by illustrator Bethann Merkle, and tried sketching. The results were comical at first but when you’re drawing a goofy-looking animal like a flatfish, it’s okay. I found myself surprisingly invigorated. When I have gone a few days without sketching, I have a sensation that I can only describe as a “low-fuel” light going off somewhere in my brain – an indicator that my tank of creativity is emptying.
I do believe that practicing creativity has made me a better communicator of science. I keep striving to flex my creativity muscles, so they don’t get stiff or worse, atrophied. I encourage you to do the same. Whatever your creative outlet is, do it, if only for a few moments each day.
