Science is about investigation. Actually about the process of investigation: which means observation-hypothesis-experiment-evaluation. If you are successful then there is not really an end. The evaluation becomes the observations which begin the next cycle. And if you are REALLY successful, each cycle raises a myriad of possibilities for further hypothesizing and investigating.
While the lab (or field) environment is a place of comfort for many junior and senior scientists, it is the "chase" that really excites us. We see a problem and want to figure it out.
"Why does that do what it does?"
"How does this work?"
"Can this be solved?"
The most successful science today still begins with a basic question from which there is formed a hypothesis which, upon testing, may yield a result that surprises all.
The human genome, for example, was being slowly revealed through a laborious process of sequencing that promised to take many years. It was hypothesized by J. Craig Venter and his associates that one could learn much of the sequence more quickly by cutting the genome up into a myriad of smaller pieces, analyzing them, and then fitting the whole thing back together like a gargantuan jigsaw puzzle (making those 5,000 piece picture puzzles look like child's play!). But when tested, the hypothesis proved correct and the rest, as they say, is history (or is it was history?).
Scientists (real scientists) it seems, never seem to stop asking questions (by "real", I don't mean those with a degree! I mean those who actually engage in the scientific process (age or even schooling is not a factor). The process of experimenting continues. And so, we continue to experiment with our "process" for AJAS. Our goal is to improve and enhance the experience each year of the student-scientists we honor. In 2007 we will introduce a novel option for Oral presentations.
We began with a small bit of "information gathering" in 2006. From there we hypothesized that a different approach to oral presentations might provide a more interesting and valuable experience to AJAS delegates. We are in the process of setting up our experiment for which we will make observations in February. And then we'll evaluate, hypothesize, and consider more "experiments" in 2008.
Thus, when you see the 2007 registration materials, you will see a new option for orals that will focus on the issues of creativity and innovation. We invite students to consider departing this year from the regular oral presentations and to participate in our experiment in bringing a new perspective to the AJAS sessions. While we will be presenting this new option, we will also make available the option of an oral presentation like that which has been the long-time standard for AJAS delegates (after all, what good is an experiment without a solid "control" for comparison!).
So whether you choose our "Innovation and Creativity" option or the regular orals presentation, you will be part of our experiment -- and help to move science, and AJAS forward.