Inspired by MTV’s popular Unplugged series that featured artists performing “stripped-down-to-the-core” acoustic renditions of their otherwise-amplified musical repertoire, the University of Pittsburgh’s celebration of science and technology is taking a minimalist approach this year.
Given the current climate of economic uncertainty—even with an infusion of temporary stimulus funding—it’s time to focus on that which is absolutely essential in what we do.
Paradoxically, this no-frills approach can be liberating.
By shedding the “we’ve always done it that way” mentality and drilling down, instead, to what is fundamental, we find a dynamic opportunity to discover new, better, faster, and more effective and cost-efficient ways of doing more with less.
That’s the challenge we face today—in achieving great science, in developing new technologies, in translating biomedical research into clinical practice, and even in presenting this annual showcase.
However, with determination, ingenuity, and creativity, even “unplugged” science can become an unshakable, unmistakable, and undiminished success.