Comment from Gareth Eaton
Gareth EatonSupportAcademic
Summary: An academic researcher argues that the federal government should support curiosity-driven research rather than trying to predict specific commercial or public applications. They contend that fundamental scientific discoveries often lead to unexpected public benefits that cannot be accurately forecasted by administrators.
My research seeks to understand very fundamental aspects of electron spin relaxation. This started out as totally curiosity-driven academic inquiry that mentored students in the art of scientific proof.
Applications of my understanding of electron spins evolved into about four decades of collaboration with oncologists and other medical professionals including diabetic wound healing, for example. Companies market products based on the fundamental discoveries of our lab. I did not envision these applications. This is common in the history of science and technology. The breakthrough that provides public good rarely is from proposals to work on that public good.
It is foolish, even intellectually arrogant, to assume that anyone, scientist or administrator, can accurately predict what research will lead to what application. Society is best served by encouraging scientists to explore what they are curious about.