How to Nurture Scientific Discoveries Despite Their Unpredictable Nature

TL;DR

The paper argues that open, unfocused research environments foster unexpected scientific breakthroughs, recommending funding agencies support such centers of excellence without strict programmatic goals.

Contribution

It proposes a shift in research funding strategy towards supporting open-ended centers to enhance the likelihood of unpredictable scientific discoveries.

Findings

Open research environments promote unexpected breakthroughs

Funding flexibility increases discovery potential

Centers of excellence without strict goals are beneficial

Abstract

The history of science reveals that major discoveries are not predictable. Naively, one might conclude therefore that it is not possible to artificially cultivate an environment that promotes discoveries. I suggest instead that open research without a programmatic agenda establishes a fertile ground for unexpected breakthroughs. Contrary to current practice, funding agencies should allocate a small fraction of their funds to support research in centers of excellence without programmatic reins tied to specific goals.