Contemporary scientific culture has evolved to focus on productivity, which often disincentivizes play. Yet, as Adam J. Kleinschmit discusses in this episode, play is a central element of curiosity-driven discovery science because it stimulates new ways of thinking and encourages the creative combination of ideas in novel ways. The external incentives that drive productivity culture can also adversely impact character virtues and lead scientists to compromise their integrity. Creating greater capacity to unleash the playful spirit of scientists has the potential to strengthen science as an institution and provide tangible benefits for greater societal good.

Featuring Adam J. Kleinschmit, Associate Professor of Biology at the University of Dubuque

Interviewer, Annalee R. Ward, Director of the Wendt Character Initiative at the University of Dubuque

The content in this episode comes from Adam J. Kleinschmit’s article, "Transformative Discovery Science: Character and Play as Key Elements" from Character and . . . Play, volume 9 of the Wendt Center for Character Education’s annual journal, Character and . . . .

Find other character resources and Wendt Center publications here or learn more about the Wendt Character Initiative here.