In an op-ed in PNAS, Martin Scheffer calls on scientists to reform the practice of science to reinforce the associative side of thinking, citing SFI as a model institution in this regard.
"It is now known that thinking has two complementary modes: roughly, association versus reasoning," Scheffer writes. "We systematically underestimate the role of the first, and the way our institutions, meetings, and teaching are organized heavily reflects this imbalance. By contrast, many of the greatest scientists systematically nurtured a balanced dual-thinking process."
"If novelty arises from diversity," he adds, "why does institutionally planned interdisciplinary so rarely generate the sparks we hope for? Why do unplanned, random encounters seem to be more productive in this respect? This seems frustratingly uncontrollable, but unusual encounters can be promoted too. Small interdisciplinary institutes, such as the South American Institute for Resilience and Sustainability Studies, Santa Fe, and Janelia Farm, may have the best cards for that…"
Read the article in PNAS (April 29, 2014, subscription required)