Science is often viewed as a cold, elite process. In reality, it is 'disciplined wonder.' It begins with the same innate curiosity and awe that a child feels when first seeing the ocean. The scientific method provides the training and tools to explore that wonder in a precise and structured way, turning curiosity into understanding.
During the pandemic, numerous researchers admitted to withholding promising ideas. They feared professional backlash, being dismissed by supervisors, or being discredited due to their gender. This highlights how cultural issues in science can stifle innovation even during a global crisis when new ideas are most needed.
Renowned scientist Louis Pasteur is celebrated for creating anthrax and rabies vaccines. However, he actually copied the techniques of two rural veterinarians, Henri Toussaint and Pierre Gaultier. He then lied about the origin of the work and used his political influence to discredit and ruin them, ensuring he received all the glory.
Peer review can become a tool for sabotage. Surgeon James Simpson aggressively attacked Joseph Lister's breakthrough use of carbolic acid not due to scientific flaws, but because it threatened his own competing theory of 'acupressure.' This shows that scientists sometimes prioritize protecting their own territory over advancing the field.
Currently, scientists who commit fraud with government research funding typically only face professional consequences like being fired. Since this involves misusing public money, it should be treated as theft with criminal penalties like jail time. This would create a much stronger deterrent against widespread academic misconduct.
The public and politicians expect scientific funding to yield guaranteed results. This forces a focus on safe, incremental research. To achieve major breakthroughs for issues like climate change, society must understand that failure is a vital part of the scientific process and be willing to fund high-risk, high-reward 'gamble' projects.