From William Harvey's discovery of the blood circulation to Albert Einstein's theory of relativity, almost all scientific research begins with something strange and unorthodox that isn't yet explained. The scientist then formulates hypotheses and creatively imagines possible explanations.
Hypotheses can be problematic because one's expectations and background theories often limit and dictate what one observes. It is important to avoid the negative effects of theory-laden observation. Instead of adopting the highest possible methodological standards, it is better to continue to think outside of the box during problem solving by creatively and tirelessly coming up with alternative explanations.
Tim de Mey will turn your world upside down and challenge you to think beyond your comfort zone in this unique learning experience. The challenge will be to think critically and creatively about what drives your research. Tim will demonstrate how interaction and openness with other disciplines can lead to new ideas. He will also show how scientists need to be aware of the limitations and possibilities within their own discipline. This challenge will allow you to create the perfect research question outside the box that will encourage the Mind of the Universe scientists and help them find even more answers in their research.
This online learning experience is a spinoff of The Mind of the Universe documentary show created by VPRO, a Dutch broadcasting company, and Robbert Dijkgraaf from Princeton University. Many universities in the Netherlands have used open-source material from the documentary series to create similar experiences.
