Celebrating Neurodiversity in science: honouring trailblazers
“Neurodiversity is an important part of organisations, teams and society, and without people that think differently we wouldn’t be as creative, efficient or strategic.” Professor Graham Moore FRS, Director of the John Innes Centre
As we observe Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Awareness Month and Dyslexia Awareness Week this October, it’s an opportune moment to reflect on the invaluable contributions of Neurodivergent individuals in the field of science.
Just as biodiversity enriches our ecosystems, Neurodiversity brings unique perspectives and innovative approaches that can drive scientific advancement. At the John Innes Centre (JIC), our BBSRC-funded project on Understanding, Celebrating, and Valuing Neurodiversity emphasises the importance of embracing diverse cognitive styles in research and beyond.
ADHD Awareness Month is recognised every October, and this year the theme is “Awareness is Key!” We’re keen to raise awareness and understanding about ADHD this month, as well as to celebrate the ADHD minds that contribute to the JIC.
Dyslexia Awareness Week, taking place from 7 to 13 October in 2024, centres on the theme “What’s Your Story?” This year’s focus has three key messages:
- Every story is different. The dyslexic community, 6.7 million individuals in the UK, is diverse and each person’s experience is unique.
- A strong opening sets the scene. Recognising dyslexia at an early age is so important to ensure dyslexic people can get the support and resources they need to flourish.
- It’s never too late to change your story. Many people’s stories have been shadowed by difficulties and challenges but the right support at the right time can make a dramatic difference. That could be later in life, in education or in the workplace.
Why are ADHD and Dyslexia important for science?
Recognising ADHD Awareness Month and Dyslexia Awareness Week is crucial for the science community. Diverse cognitive styles, including those associated with ADHD and dyslexia, can lead to innovative problem-solving and unique insights, essential for tackling complex challenges in plant research. Sharing the stories of trailblazing scientists helps illuminate the need for acceptance and support within our community, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive.
Celebrating remarkable Neurodivergent scientists
Below are examples of remarkable scientists who have redefined the boundaries of their fields, showcasing how their Neurodivergent identities have shaped their groundbreaking work.
Maggie Aderin-Pocock is a distinguished space scientist and broadcaster known for her work in satellite technology and planetary exploration. Her dyslexic perspective enriches her ability to communicate complex scientific ideas in an engaging way, inspiring future generations to explore the wonders of space.
Carol Greider, a celebrated molecular biologist, received the Nobel Prize for her pivotal discovery of telomerase, an enzyme essential for understanding ageing and cancer development. Greider’s dyslexic identity fuels her relentless curiosity and determination, driving her to explore the mysteries of cellular biology.
Archer John Porter Martin was a groundbreaking chemist awarded the Nobel Prize for co-inventing partition chromatography, a transformative technique in chemical analysis. His dyslexic thinking-style fostered innovative problem-solving, allowing him to make significant advancements in analytical chemistry.
Jacques Dubochet, a Swiss biophysicist, played a crucial role in the development of cryo-electron microscopy, earning a Nobel Prize for his contributions to structural biology. His dyslexic perspective enriched his research, leading to significant breakthroughs in our understanding of cellular structures.
Professor Sara Rankin, an esteemed researcher in leukocyte and stem cell biology at Imperial College London, embraces the strengths of Neurodiversity through her identity as a Neurodivergent individual with ADHD, dyslexia, and dyspraxia. Her innovative approach to research enhances our understanding of immune cells, contributing to advancements in medical science.
Richard Feynman, a legendary physicist and Nobel laureate, is renowned for his groundbreaking work in quantum mechanics. His suspected ADHD identity infused him with a vibrant curiosity and an extraordinary capacity for creative problem-solving, leading to transformative contributions in physics.
Sir John B. Gurdon is a leading biologist who received the Nobel Prize for his groundbreaking work on stem cells, demonstrating the feasibility of transferring a nucleus from one cell to another. His ADHD identity has empowered him to think outside the box and persist through challenges, resulting in profound advancements in developmental biology.
These scientists exemplify how Neurodiversity can help lead to groundbreaking discoveries and innovations. At the John Innes Centre, we are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where all minds and individuals can thrive. As we celebrate ADHD Awareness Month and Dyslexia Awareness Week, let us recognise the unique strengths that Neurodiverse minds bring to the scientific community.
Get involved
Join us in celebrating Neurodiversity! Share this blog to raise awareness, engage in discussions about the importance of diverse cognitive styles in science, and reflect on the stories of Neurodivergent individuals, perhaps including your own.
How has Neurodiversity influenced your journey? What has your journey been? Together, we can cultivate an environment that values all perspectives, ensuring that every story, like those of the trailblazing scientists highlighted here, has the opportunity to inspire and lead to positive change.
