Grooving for Science: Manisha Biswas's Win at the Dance-Your-PhD Competition
Female resident of Berlin triumphs in a scientific contest centered around dance - Scientist from Berlin victorious in dance contest among scholars
Hey there! Let's talk about an interesting story of a cognitive psychologist who showed the world a scientific breakthrough by dancing her way to victory in the prestigious "Dance-Your-PhD" competition organized by Science magazine.
Manisha Biswas, our scientist protagonist, strutted her stuff in a fun-filled, techno-infused dance video in the Gleisdreieck Park, on the U2, and some fictional Berlin club. But don't be fooled – Biswas is no professional dancer. She's a well-respected scientist working at the Berlin School of Mind and Brain, a part of the Humboldt University.
In the riveting clip, Biswas skillfully managed to demonstrate how moving in harmony with others contributes to identity formation and the transformative effects that shared movements can have on self-perception. What makes it even more captivating is the synchronization of these explanations with the techno beats.
Manisha Biswas's friends would usually scratch their heads in confusion when she explained the complexities of her doctoral thesis. So, she decided to participate in the competition with a mission – to make science accessible and easy to understand for everyone. And boy, did she succeed!
Biswas teamed up with her friends to choreograph and create this unique piece. She wanted to emphasize that if scientists didn't engage in meaningful dialogue about their work, the public would be misinformed, especially in our age of fake news.
But there was also an element of fun in the equation, as all involved were friends or friends of friends who volunteered to be part of the production. A DJ buddy handled the music, while a friend named Liselotte van Balen directed the show. The club scene was shot in the basement of an acquaintance, and even three professional dancers were persuaded to join the project, as Biswas herself didn't have any formal training.
Biswas has already submitted her lengthy doctoral thesis and is already planning her next research project. This time, she has her sights set on conducting a field study in a club, to uncover whether the heartbeats of DJs and clubbers synchronize. But first, she has to defend her doctoral thesis and rock the dance floor once again!
Here's a fun fact: Biswas's video beautifully illustrates the science behind identity formation through shared movements, using examples of synchronized movements and group dynamics. By weaving her research findings into an engaging dance performance, she transcended the barriers of complexity and, in the process, made science more enjoyable and accessible to the masses. Let's hope for more creative scientific discoveries like this!
In continuation with Manisha Biswas's mission to make science accessible, she plans to implement her next research project in a health-and-wellness environment, like a fitness-and-exercise club, seeking to uncover the impacts of synchronized movements on mental health.
As Biswas's attempts to merge science and artistry inspire fellow researchers, it is important for community policy and employment policy to support such interdisciplinary collaborations that engage the public while promoting innovation in the realm of health and science.
