Ana Paula Mendonça is a researcher with a PhD in biochemical sciences and
over 10 years of experience in energy metabolism, cell biology, neuroscience and cancer. Ana has done research work in Germany, in her native Brazil and in Italy, where she is currently an MSCA fellow at the University of Padua. MSCA is short for Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions, the European Union’s flagship funding programme for doctoral education and postdoctoral training of researchers. Ana was a guest researcher at the Centre for Biomolecular Interactions at the University of Bremen (Germany) before moving to Padua. We caught up with Ana to discuss scientific innovation and the role of the physical/built environment.
How can the physical/built environment encourage better innovation among scientists?
The physical environment is super-important. A scientist’s success depends on their ability to come up with new, innovative ideas. But motivation does not always come easy - sometimes, the physical environment can have a significant impact on a scientist’s motivation level. By creating an environment that is conducive to creativity and collaboration, scientific institutions and universities can encourage better innovation. A well-maintained space is more motivating, and in my personal, experience Brazil
scores less well in this regard than Germany (which was particularly good) or Italy.
How could the life sciences and real estate sectors work better together?
The life sciences and real estate sectors have a lot to offer to each other. Real estate provides the space for life science research and development to take place, while the scientists can provide valuable insights into how best to use that space. In my experience, academia can be quite closed, and people can operate in their own silos, with little networking or sharing of
information.
There are a number of ways in which the life sciences and real estate sectors could work more closely together. For example, networking events could be organised to bring professionals from both sectors together.
Alternatively, information could be shared through online platforms such as newsletters or article directories. Scientists can collaborate with real estate by means of giving scientific advice around decision-making, policy implementation and some elements of investment risk. By working more closely together, the life sciences and real estate sectors can create synergies that benefit both industries.
If you had unlimited money but limited space (no more than 1,000 sq m), what would you build?
The pandemic has taught us that it is possible for scientists to work outside the laboratory and to build supportive communities using a hybrid (physical and virtual) approach. There are many ways to do this, but one way is by building a digital health hub. This would be a space where people can come to share resources and information and to build better solutions.
Digital health is an important aspect of our lives and one which can improve our overall wellbeing. Therefore, the space I would build would be dedicated to digital health, a resource for the scientific community and of benefit to all of us. How exactly it would look is something I leave to the architects
and real estate professionals.
In terms of driving innovation, how important is cross-discipline cooperation?
For me, it is super-important. Cross-discipline cooperation is essential for driving innovation because when different disciplines come together, they bring different perspectives and expertise to the table. This can help to identify problems that might have otherwise gone unnoticed, and it can also provide new insights into potential solutions. In addition, cross-discipline cooperation helps to foster a culture of creativity and collaboration. Rather than working in silos, it is better to work together towards a common goal.
Can the design of a building foster such cooperation?
Yes, I think it can, and the Francis Crick Institute in London is a great example. Something as simple as having transparent glass walls rather than opaque brick walls makes all the difference because you know others are
there, so it opens up opportunities to ask questions and to seek assistance. Opportunities to ask for help can encourage people to work together instead of trying to do everything on their own.
Additionally, common areas such as break rooms and coffee stations can provide opportunities for employees to interact with one another and build relationships. Science tends to work in “clubs” or networks and a well-designed building can encourage the formation of more diversified networks or clubs, which ultimately leads to better solutions.
