A Recipe for Creativity in Research: Cross-Fertilization, Credulity, Constraint, Contrarianism, Conversation, Courage
April 7, 2026 | 12:00 PM - 01:00 PM
Date: Tuesday, April 7, 2026
Time: 12:00 - 13:00 ET (12:00pm - 1:00pm ET)
REGISTER HERE
Speaker:
David B. Allison, Ph.D (Texas Children’s Hospital / USDA-ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Baylor College of Medicine)
Webinar description:
Scientific discovery thrives on creativity, yet it can be difficult, can be risky but can lead to important scientific advances and provide us the chance to experience the wonder and beauty in science but how often do we intentionally cultivate it in our research process? This session explores the importance of Imaginative ideas in research, within the domain of nutrition, obesity and diabetes. Participants will discover how collaborating with individuals from different disciplines and employing creative thinking may lead to new imaginative concepts and impactful research results. The session encourages researchers at all stages of their careers to think outside the box and use creative methods that might change the future of health science.
Learning Objectives:
This webinar will provide participants with information on the following topics:
- The importance of creativity in scientific discovery may be demonstrated within the domain of Nutrition, Obesity, and Diabetes Research.
- Outline effective ways to promote the growth of creative research.
- Examine case stories demonstrating innovative research in nutrition, obesity, and diabetes that was prompted by creative approaches.
- Understanding how multidisciplinary thinking may enhance the effect of research.
Moderator: Shirin Panahi, PhD (Canadian Nutrition Society / Université Laval)
About the Speaker:
David B. Allison, Ph.D., is Professor of Pediatrics and Endowed Chair through Texas Children’s Hospital, as well as Chief of Nutrition and Director of the USDA-ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center at Baylor College of Medicine. Continuously NIH-funded as a PI for over 25 years, he has authored or co-authored more than 700 scientific publications. Awards include the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Mentoring (2006); the Friends of Albert (Mickey) Stunkard Lifetime Achievement Award (The Obesity Society, 2021), the Harry V. Roberts Statistical Advocate of the Year Award (American Statistical Association, 2018), the Bodil M. Schmidt-Nielsen Distinguished Mentor and Scientist Award (American Physiological Society, 2023), the Alumni Award from Hofstra University (2024); and the Irving Wright Award of Distinction of the American Federation for Aging Research (2025). In 2022 he was named a Distinguished Lecturer by Sigma Xi and received the Hoebel Prize for Creativity (Society for the Study of Ingestive Behavior). In 2023, he was elected as a Fellow of Sigma Xi the Scientific Honor Society, elected as member of the International Statistical Institute, and elected and inducted into the Academy for Health and Lifespan Research, the first global non-profit group focused on accelerating breakthroughs in the expansion of the human health span. In 2024, Dr. Allison was elected as a member of Cosmos Club and elected to be Sigma Xi’s incoming president elect (2025-2028). Elected to the National Academy of Medicine in 2012, he also serves as co-chair of the National Academy of Sciences’ Strategic Council on Research Excellence, Integrity, and Trust. Dr. Allison is a staunch advocate for rigor in research methods and the uncompromisingly truthful communication of research findings.
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