In this episode of the ResponsAbility Podcast, we speak with Nicola Ulibarri, Associate Professor at UC Irvine and first author of Creativity in Research. Drawing on her experience at Stanford’s d.school, Nicola shares how creativity can be cultivated as a deliberate practice in academia through mindfulness, emotional intuition, structured exercises, and supportive collaboration. We explore themes from her book, including the thirty-day creativity program, storytelling, energy management, and psychological safety in teams — and reflect on how these themes can become sources of creativity and inspiration for the researcher.

00:00:55 - Personal and professional background for writing Creativity in Research

00:03:38 - Mindfulness as foundational for creativity in research

00:05:06 - Emotional intuition as a guide in research decisions

00:09:11 - How can the inclusion of mindfulness and emotional intuition in research processes be justified?

00:12:38 - On the thirty-day-program

00:15:02 - Transformations observed with researchers who did the thirty-day-program

00:17:48 - On the importance of storytelling and language in shaping researchers’ identity

00:19:19 - On the role of energy management in research processes

00:24:09 - On the importance of collaboration and feedback in order for creativity to flourish in research

00:28:13 - Surprises in the reception of the book

00:31:10 - Is a researcher also a kind of artist?

Between Theory and Practice – Questions for Reflection
How might the insights from this dialogue inspire your own practice? The following questions are intended to inspire further inquiry, whether explored individually or in conversation with colleagues, students, or peers.

1. Nicola Ulibarri suggests that creativity begins with paying attention to our own thoughts, emotions, energy, and assumptions. What signals from your own experience might you be overlooking in your professional or research practice, and how could becoming more attentive to them open up new possibilities for action and insight?
2. The episode highlights the importance of collaboration, feedback, and psychological safety in fostering creativity. How might you contribute to creating environments—in your workplace, research group, classroom, or community—where others feel able to share unfinished ideas, take intellectual risks, and learn together?

Literature:

• Ulibarri N, Cravens AE, Svetina Nabergoj A, Kernbach S, Royalty A. (2019): Creativity in Research: Cultivate Clarity, Be Innovative, and Make Progress in Your Research Journey. Cambridge University Press.