Lack Of Risk-Taking In Scientific Research Is Hurting Progress

Chemistry





Photo credit:

The system for deciding which scientists get secure jobs is undermining creativity and making it difficult for scientists to shake up their field. Credit: Bangkokhappiness/Shutterstock

Scientific knowledge is being hobbled by scientists choosing excessively safe topics, according to two new papers, and as a result transformative discoveries are being delayed. More efficient inquiry may require changing scientists' reward system, as currently lower-risk research is often more incentivized than higher-risk work.