Scientists want to drink alcohol at the conference for more open and lively discussion
If you meet a real-life scientist, you’ll sometimes find them to be introverted, quiet, and very quiet. Only in specialized scientific conferences, many scientists show their lively and enthusiastic people for research.
Nevertheless, the conversations, the exchange of expertise and “small talk” sometimes there is still silence. At this point, a few glasses of wine can help. Alcohol – in moderation – can stimulate people to talk and share more with each other.
So, when the world’s leading multidisciplinary scientific journal Nature created an online poll to ask: “Should scientific conferences and seminars be outlawed?”up to two-thirds of scientists answered that “Is not!”.
This survey is part of a study to examine and evaluate the role of alcohol in the scientific work environment. It has attracted nearly 1,500 comments from researchers from all over the world.
Their views seem to be quite unified: 68% of respondents think that scientific conferences should not ban alcohol or beer. Only 26% of scientists think the rule should be applied and 6% are unsure of their opinion.
Why do scientists want to be drinking?
The first reason alcohol advocates give is that alcohol and other alcoholic beverages are for enjoyment and relaxation. Alcohol creates an atmosphere that fosters social connections and conversations.
This entire poll was conducted anonymously, so the scientists were not afraid to give their opinion. One person said: “Wine is the best way to create interactions, break down barriers between senior scientists and students. [khi họ gặp nhau ở một hội nghị khoa học].
Some of the best scientific discussions and collaborations have begun with scientists tossing glasses of wine in front of a poster summarizing their research, or at a reception, or even in a bar. alcohol. [Nếu cấm rượu trong các chương trình hội nghị khoa học]nothing can replace those experiences”.
Among the opinions in favor of alcohol, many scientists emphasize that alcohol should be a personal choice, and that personal views about drinking should not influence the decisions of others. That means there may be some scientists who really hate alcohol and don’t want to drink in the conference, but they shouldn’t force other scientists to be like them.
Some survey respondents also argued that the prohibition of alcohol during the conference would limit the number of people attending the conference itself. Scientific events always aim to be inclusive, to attract a large number of scientists to participate. An alcohol ban inadvertently narrows the audience they want to reach, to a degree, a lot of scientists are interested in glasses of wine at the conference.
“In my opinion, to ensure the inclusion of scientific conferences, we should organize many different events (including events with and without alcohol), so that everyone can participate. “a scientist commented.
The rest said that in essence, banning alcohol at scientific conferences will not solve the problem, although its purpose is to limit scientists from drinking too much alcohol, causing trouble. or behave beyond the norm.
Why do so many people think that alcohol is not suitable for the scientific environment?
Again and again, we have to consider the opinions of more than a fifth of the scientists surveyed, who think alcohol should be banned at conferences.
The first reason people give is that alcohol is not good for health. It can cause scientists to lose their sanity and reduce their ability to discuss. When people get drunk, the scientific information they share loses its accuracy.
Then there are the negative experiences many scientists have with alcohol at the conference. Randolph Elble, a research pharmacologist at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, said that students attending scientific conferences should not see their teacher or a leading professor drinking too much alcohol.
“A drunk senior scientist is not a good example for future generations to follow”Elble said.
Among all the reasons mentioned to promote alcohol prohibition, the most prominent one has to be the behavior of some scientists to force alcohol, when they want their colleagues to drink with them. In addition, some engage in harassment when they lose control.
“I think the drinking culture in science is a variant of the so-called ‘boys club’ mentality. It says you can’t connect and socialize with friends and colleagues if you can’t relax and drink with other people. This inadvertently puts pressure on and isolates others, forcing them to drink.”
There have been many stories in which a student or a young scientist just starting his career was taken advantage of in this situation.
How should alcohol be served in scientific conferences?
Although there are conflicting opinions, both groups that support and do not support the ban on alcohol at the scientific conference say that the service in the program is the problem.
“I don’t think alcohol is an appropriate beverage during business hours, poster presentations, seminars or conferences.”, a scientist should opinion. But alcohol can absolutely be served during breaks, receptions or social activities, when sociality is emphasized more than science.
In essence, a scientific conference is an event that is both professional and social, so the organizers must consider serving a variety of drinks. In particular, alcoholic beverages should be considered in reasonable time and space.
For example, some scientists suggested that the organizers should issue a limited ticket for each scientist with one or two visits to the bar. They will be able to drink alcohol for free, but will also not be able to bring their own or buy as much as they want.
Refer Nature
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