Fundamental research, driven by curiosity rather than profit, has led to numerous groundbreaking discoveries, including MRI technology and Ozempic.
In today's financially constrained environment, it is crucial for funders to recognize that significant breakthroughs often arise from work that was initially pursuing a completely different objective.
Great discoveries often arise from work that was looking for something completely different.
Examples of such breakthroughs demonstrate the importance of protecting fundamental research, which seeks to advance knowledge for its own sake without expecting a direct return on investment.
Around the world, budgets for fundamental research are facing unprecedented pressure, highlighting the need for continued support.
Author's summary: Fundamental research yields unexpected breakthroughs.