In Science, The More The Merrier

Progress in science depends on the works of others ("always reference your sources!" and citizen science) and increasingly, on collaborations between scientists (map of scientific collaboration). It is not false that the more there are of scientists, the merrier the scientists are.

When I first started my project at the research institute, what impressed me the most was the sheer number of people at the institute. Professors, scientists, post-docs, graduate students, honours students, research assistants, interns, etc. The number of minds packed under one roof was stimulating and pilled some pressure on my frail newbie's shoulders.

The importance of having this conglomerate, regrouped by their topics of study became more and more apparent as I spent more time in the institute. I experienced this first-hand when I did a practice talk of my research proposal to the members of my lab. The presentation was more or less okay (apart from the fact that I was nervous, stressed and spoke so fast that I couldn't follow myself) though the amount of feedback and encouragement I received from the various people afterwards was incredibly helpful, precious even. They asked questions that explored the topic at hand in ways I never thought of, suggested that more information to be allocated to this particular aspect of the project (presentation) and less to that other aspect and provided me with valuable tips about presenting research. I learned so much during the twenty minutes following my practice talk. And this has not only helped me for the final presentation (which went quite well) but also for the continuation of my project.

It is this exchange of ideas that's important. Scientific research is much more a social activity than people think. The notion that a scientist is this weird fellow sat on his lab bench, peeking into the microscope and isolated from the rest of the world is blatantly erroneous. Scientists communicate with one another and as the growth of the science blogosphere is showing, they also communicate with the public as well. The simple weekly lab meetings, seminars and journal club presentations facilitate an incredible exchange of ideas, views and knowledge. They form an invaluable resource, especially to the newbie that I am.

Such stimulating exchanges result in better scientists and high-quality research. They also allow a sort of informal internal peer-review system, which instead of being frightening or frustrating is instead supportive and co-operative.

So, to any budding researchers out there, maybe this should be kept in mind: in science, the more the merrier. Anyone thinks this is a one-sided view, I'd be happy to read your own views in the comment section below.

Image credit: tamara.craiu (from flickr)