Letting Challenges Drive Creativity and Invention some thoughts

Letting Challenges Drive Creativity and Invention some thoughts… Alan Sved, Ph. D Department of Neuroscience Center for Neuroscience University of Pittsburgh

ØCareers ØCommunication ØCollaboration ØCreativity ØCosts ØChange

Investing in the Future: NIGMS Strategic Plan for Biomedical and Behavioral Research Training “Excellent research training focuses on the development of student abilities through individualized planning and attentive implementation. Successful NIGMS-supported research training achieves the dual goals of equipping students for many kinds of employment opportunities as well as enhancing the diversity of the biomedical research workforce. ”

…after training, well-prepared students: • are critical, rational thinkers, capable of organizing and analyzing data; (Creativity) • have a deep knowledge in a specific field but are conversant in related fields; • are able to formulate significant, testable scientific questions and are technically proficient; • have the capacity to listen effectively as well as to write and speak cogently; (Communication!) • are tolerant of ambiguity and resilient in the face of setbacks; (Change) • are able to work effectively with people who have different perspectives, priorities or intellectual approaches (Collaboration); and • know and follow the standards, responsibilities and culture of the scientific community.