Curiosity is the drive to learn and seek new experiences. It is frequently sparked by awe or ambiguity and can lead to the discovery of new ideas, knowledge, and new opportunities. It is a powerful motivator for people to seek out new knowledge or experiences in order to widen their perspective of the world. Being inquisitive pushes people to think outside the box and take into account alternative viewpoints, which can improve creativity and problem-solving abilities. Because learning and discovery may be inherently satisfying, curiosity can also be a source of pleasure and contentment.
Curiosity has implications in the educational sector as it may help children enhance their memory, learning, and retention of information. Policy reform for educational frameworks has recently started to realize the importance of curiosity in the classroom to improve learning outcomes. This reform is supported by research as it offers practitioners new insights into how to use it to improve educational outcomes for both students and teachers.
Curiosity in Research and Practice
Curiosity is a fundamental human drive that motivates individuals to seek new information and experiences. Two decades of research on curiosity have highlighted the need to explore, question, and motivate children’s curiosity to make them more critically reflective and build their desire for intellectual search. Research outcomes have shown that curiosity is strongly linked to improved learning outcomes, as curious individuals are likelier to engage with and retain information (Loewenstein, 1994; Kang et al., 2009).
In addition, fostering curiosity in the workplace has been linked to increased creativity, innovation, and problem-solving skills, resulting in improved performance and productivity (Litman et al., 2005; Hennessey & Amabile, 2010). It has been found to stimulate cognitive processes, such as divergent thinking and information search, associated with creative problem-solving and innovation. In particular, individuals with a high level of curiosity tend to ask more questions, experiment with new approaches, and take more risks, which can lead to innovative solutions. Curiosity has also been linked to greater resilience in uncertainty, which is a key factor in the innovation process.
Recent policy reforms in educational frameworks recognize its importance in enhancing students' memory, learning, and retention of information. This exciting development offers practitioners new insights into leveraging curiosity to optimize educational outcomes for both students and teachers.
Promoting a culture of curiosity in schools and organizations is crucial to encourage exploration, experimentation, and learning. Understanding the mechanisms of curiosity informs pedagogy and workplace practices, allowing for designing tailored interventions that promote engagement, retention, and learning. By nurturing curiosity in these contexts, we explore how to foster interest in learning novel information that can persist throughout an individual's lifetime.
Important dates
Early bird registration: March 31 to April 15
Abstract Submission deadline: 20 April 2023
Selected abstracts notified by: 8 May 2023
Submission of the full poster: 20 July 2023
The deadline to submit posters: 15 May 2023
Registration fee
Students, Educators, Teachers: 2000 INR
Academic Professionals: 3000 INR
Industry Professionals: 5000 INR
Highlights of the conference
Exhibits for industry professionals
We invite industry professionals to showcase their products and brands at the conference exhibit for our upcoming Curiosity Conference! This is a unique opportunity for you to showcase your product to researchers, educators, policymakers, and like-minded industry professionals. This conference is a hub of innovation, bringing together the brightest minds in research and industry to discuss the latest advancements and discoveries. The exhibit will allow you to introduce your products to potential collaborators, customers, and partners and share your expertise with others in your field. Click here to book an exhibit.
Scope of the conference
The two-day conference brings together researchers, educators, teachers, and industry experts to facilitate conversations exploring the role of curiosity in research and practice and its importance in driving innovation and progress across various fields. The attendees will be able to learn from others in the area, form partnerships, and broaden their ideas on curiosity through workshops, talks, exhibitions, and poster sessions.
Workshops
Get hands on training on improving curiosity in classrooms and workplaces
Expert Talks
Learn about the current research and programs on curiosity.
Poster session
Meet researchers and professionals working on curiosity.
Curiosity in Education
Strategies and Techniques for Encouraging Learning and Exploration among school children
Curiosity Research
Understanding the Behavioural and Neurological determinants of Curiosity
Curiosity in the Workplace
Driving Innovation and Performance in Business and Industry by building a culture of curiosity
Sub-themes
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Inquiry-based learning
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Neuroscience of Curiosity
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The philosophy of curiosity
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Memory and learning
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Uncertainty and decision-making
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Building Curiosity in schools
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Science Communication for building curiosity
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Mindfulness and Curiosity
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Interpersonal curiosity
Inquiry-based learning
Inquiry-based learning is a pedagogical approach that encourages students to ask questions, investigate, and seek answers to problems. It involves a process of exploration and discovery that allows learners to engage with the content actively, make connections between concepts, and develop their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Neuroscience of curiosity
The neuroscience of curiosity investigates the neural mechanisms underlying curiosity, a fundamental drive that motivates humans and other animals to explore and seek new information. Studies have shown that the brain's reward system, including dopamine release, is activated when individuals are engaged in curiosity-driven behaviors. Understanding the neuroscience of curiosity can inform approaches to learning and motivation.
Interpersonal curiosity
Interpersonal curiosity involves a desire to understand and learn from other people's perspectives, experiences, and ideas. This can involve asking questions, actively listening, and engaging in dialogue with others. Interpersonal curiosity can enhance social connections, promote empathy, and foster cross-cultural understanding.
Memory and learning
Memory and learning play a crucial role in developing and maintaining curiosity, which is driven by the desire to learn and understand new information. Strategies such as repetition, active engagement, and mnemonic devices can improve information retention and facilitate learning. Understanding the mechanisms of memory and learning can inform approaches to education and training that promote curiosity, such as designing learning experiences tailored to individual learning styles and incorporating opportunities for active engagement and exploration.
Uncertainty and decision-making
Uncertainty is a crucial aspect of curiosity research because individuals tend to seek information and experiences to reduce uncertainty and increase their understanding of the world. However, uncertainty can also make decision-making more difficult, particularly when the stakes are high. Researchers inform decision-making approaches that encourage exploration and learning while minimizing potential risks by understanding how individuals process and respond to uncertainty. These insights would be valuable in various contexts, such as education, healthcare, and business, where decisions can have significant consequences.
Building curiosity in schools
Building curiosity in schools involves creating learning environments that encourage exploration, questioning, and discovery. This includes providing opportunities for hands-on learning, encouraging student-led investigations, and integrating interdisciplinary approaches. Strategies for building curiosity can help engage students in learning and promote lifelong learning habits.
Science communication for building curiosity
Science communication refers to communicating scientific information to various audiences, including the general public. Effective science communication helps build curiosity by providing opportunities for individuals to learn about discoveries, ask questions, and engage with scientific ideas.
Mindfulness and curiosity
Mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment without judgment. This practice helps individuals’ openness to new experiences. Mindfulness also helps individuals regulate their emotions and improve their cognitive flexibility, enhancing their ability to learn and engage with new information.The relationship between curiosity and mindfulness is an interesting aspect to explore.
About IIT Gandhinagar
IIT Gandhinagar offers a unique educational experience in India with unmatched innovations in curriculum. The institute promotes critical thinking and an appreciation of the interdisciplinary character of knowledge, with an emphasis on the liberal arts, project-oriented learning, diversity, and globalization. IIT Gandhinagar was founded in 2008 and is located in Palaj, Gandhinagar, Gujarat on the banks of river Sabarmati. IITGN is rated India’s first 5-star GRIHA LD (Green) campus for minimizing the negative impact on the environment. The campus has been declared India’s first 5-star campus for ensuring food safety and promoting healthy eating.
IIT Gandhinagar campus is a beautiful and vibrant place to explore. The campus is serene and peaceful, surrounded by lush greenery and a beautiful river, offering visitors a unique and enriching experience. The architecture of the campus is a blend of traditional and modern styles, making it a visual delight. Its natural beauty, modern infrastructure, and cultural diversity make it one of the most sought-after campuses in India for students and visitors alike.
The campus also offers a range of facilities for visitors, including a well-equipped library, modern sports facilities, and comfortable accommodation options.
