In my experience, a good bar or coffee shop on campus or juuuuust off campus is where great gelling happens. You are not &#x27;in lab&#x27; and if there is beer, it is a very good indicator that you are relaxing (the chance of drowning sorrows is noted). You are essentially &#x27;open&#x27; to conversation and talking about life. Being scientists,most of life is science, and the &#x27;other&#x27; space allows for a freedom of thought and truth not afforded in a more sterile work environment. Also, the use of stimulants or depressants helps to kick people out of their ruts in addition to the new space.<p>Not all gelling happens in bars or cafes, but I do think they have a great correlation to great discoveries. In fact, I wonder what the actual data says? What does HN think are good metrics to measure this? Proximity to lab benches, cost of drinks, variety of foodstuffs, size of the shop?<p>Also, I wonder what the introduction of legal marijuana to those states will do to their use of &#x27;other&#x27; spaces and areas that you can run into and talk with other researchers. Perhaps an alternative to stimulants and depressants, here being a mild hallucinogen with pot, will uncover new thoughts and ideas to benefit research.