The beauty and wonders of science enhance the well-being of researchers

According to an international study by researchers, scientists' ability to experience wonder, awe, and beauty in their work is linked to higher job satisfaction and better mental health.

Brandon Vaidyanathan, a sociologist at the Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., and his colleagues gathered responses from more than 3,000 scientists — mostly biologists and physicists — in India, Italy, Britain, and the United States. They asked participants about their job satisfaction and work culture, their experiences with the COVID-19 pandemic, and the role of aesthetics in science. Responses suggest that far from caricatures of scientists as highly rational and logical beings, "these things of beauty do matter," Vaidyanathan said. "It shapes the practice of science and is linked to all kinds of well-being outcomes."

The Work and Prosperity in Science survey found that 75% of respondents found beauty in the phenomena they studied (see "Beauty Science"), and 62% were motivated to pursue science careers. In addition, half of the respondents said beauty helped them persevere in the face of adversity or failure, and 57% said beauty enhances their scientific understanding. "When we experience scientific insight, it triggers the same brain operations as musical harmony, and we can enjoy those insights like any other art," Vaidyanathan said.

Desiree Dickerson, mental health consulting academic in Valencia, Spain, said she wasn't surprised to see the importance of beauty reflected in the study -- as was her husband, a physicist. "This is a real research engine, and we feel healthier and happier when we are amazed by our day-to-day work," he said.

While finding beauty in their work can help scientists overcome adversity, many aspects of work can counter this experience. For example, dealing with administrative responsibilities, writing grant applications, and pressure to prepare documents hinders the evaluation of the beauty of science, Vaidyanathan said.

Fatigue from a pandemic is a miracle in science.

The survey found that overall, researchers reported moderately high levels of well-being, with 72% reporting that they were mostly or delighted with their jobs. But there is a significant difference. Women reported higher fatigue levels than men, and 25% of graduate students reported severe psychological distress, compared with only 2% of older graduates. "The students are in a terrible place," Dickerson said. "And I'm afraid this story will return to normal. It shouldn't be thrown under the rug."

Vaidyanathan said he expected to see a difference in mental health between teachers and students but didn't expect it to be so profound. And while it appears that most respondents can cope with stress at work, it's essential to pay attention to those who struggle with it. "We cannot dismiss these fears as trivial," he said.