Time to reflect

摘要

Labs sometimes struggle to stay competitive and energized, and periods of successful discovery may be followed by stretches filled with little more than attempts to address knowledge gaps or promote translation. These are essential processes, but innovation may suffer if such periods last too long. As director of a 25-person research lab (ten graduate students, five technologists, six post-docs, a research coordinator and affiliates), I know that focusing too much on the day-today business of e-mails, manuscripts and grant applications can delay the introduction of new techniques and ideas. One way to inject enthusiasm and re-excite the team is through a lab retreat to discuss everyone's projects and work.