Specifically, how do pre-doctoral, doctoral, and post-doctoral researchers experience the science spaces they inhabit?

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How do they articulate moments of wonder, excitement, and strangeness that these spaces represent?

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And what does the process of enculturation into the world of biosciences research look like?

 

We have a plethora of stories from practicing biologists' experiences in research, but the stories of early career biologists are missing from the discussion. Such stories not only self-affirm for these soon-to-be practicing biologists but could also inspire young students aspiring to be biologists. The young student also gets a window into what life in science looks like before they get access to a laboratory or a field site. These stories may be of general interest to publics interested in the cultures of science and stories of humans. Senior members of the scientific community may also relate to these stories as these experiences may now be distant to them. 

 

A distinctive feature of this project is the uniqueness with which it employs art as a medium of storytelling and outreach. Art has a unique ability to convey emotion. The prevalent culture of science spaces tends to emphasize reason over emotion when doing science. Even when emotion is acknowledged, it largely takes on the hue of wonder, excitement, or eureka moments. In practice, however, we encounter a range of emotions even in the best and most successful scientists. Whether they are positive or negative, emotions deserve a space in the stories of science, as they serve to humanize it for those who practice it, as well as those who are watching from outside. Through our workshops with early career biologists, we strive to bring the domains of reason and emotion together in their narratives of doing science.

 

We invite you into a many-hued world of bio-tales from some fascinating people in the world of biological sciences.

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This project is supported by the 5th IndiaBioscience Outreach Grant.