Creativity in science: significance, virtue and boundaries

The significance of creativity in art is beyond question, its role in science is much less obvious. Imaginative insights that lead to large leaps in scientific understanding are rare. Typically, science progresses in small increments. What is barely noticed, however, is the constant need for researchers to challenge their routines, that is, to scrutinize their questions, approach and conclusions. This involves a good deal of creativity. What are the creative moments by which different disciplines advance in their daily operations? How important are such reflections in established routines? Is there an optimal compromise between diligent work and creative contemplation? Which exceptional scientific progress is a testament to creativity? Can creativity ever compromise scientific progress? Discussion of these and related questions will be kicked off by short expert inputs from different disciplines.