Narratives of Discovery as a catalyst for translational science education and training

TL;DR

This paper explores how stories of scientific discovery can be used to teach translational science, emphasizing creativity and inclusivity.

Contribution

The paper introduces Narratives of Discovery as a novel teaching tool for translational science education.

Findings

Narratives of Discovery highlight translational science principles like creativity and innovation.

The narrative format addresses gaps in current education regarding diversity and rigorous approaches.

Excerpts from scientists' stories can foster conversations about translational science concepts.

Abstract

New education and training opportunities are critical for the development of a diverse and highly skilled translational science workforce. In this special communication, the authors consider how Narratives of Discovery, an initiative to interview leading scientists about the sources of their creativity, can serve as a novel translational science teaching tool. Reporting on a project to map translational science principles onto nine Narratives of Discovery conducted to date, the authors demonstrate how translational science principles are manifested in the career trajectories of these scientists and propose that the narratives can serve as a formative model for trainees. Findings from systematic coding of the Narratives of Discovery suggest that the narrative format is particularly well suited to highlight translational science principles not well-addressed by existing education opportunities, including what it means for scientists to be creative and innovative, use bold and rigorous approaches, and prioritize diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. Offering excerpts from the published Narratives of Discovery and quotations from the scientists themselves, the authors aim to create space for continued conversation about how to best crystallize the concepts of translational science and advance translational science education and training initiatives.

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