Why Cultivating ‘Wild Horses’ in Science is Essential for Global Innovation

Nobel laureate Harold Varmus once remarked that “science is fundamentally chaotic.” When he took the helm at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in 1993, he believed that the structured nature of government clashed with the unpredictable nature of scientific discovery. His leadership led to a budget increase at the NIH, showcasing the importance of supporting scientists who push the boundaries of knowledge.

Governments often aim to control science to yield practical benefits. They see applied research as essential, sometimes sidelining the curiosity-driven projects. Many policymakers view research driven by exploration and inquiry as less important.

Think about it like this: a farmer who needs help would choose a trained workhorse instead of a wild mustang. While hard-working scientists focused on practical tasks often generate positive results, those doing exploratory research—like wild mustangs—often receive more recognition, such as Nobel Prizes.

True innovation often springs from unexpected discoveries, not just structured research plans. This unpredictability is where breakthrough ideas can flourish.

People tend to believe the future will reflect the past. For example, in 1900, a German chocolate company envisioned life in 2000 with postcards that seem outdated today. Similarly, many politicians overlook the unpredictable nature of science, advocating for current technologies while missing the potential for new breakthroughs.

We face significant challenges today: climate change, sustainable energy, resource depletion, water scarcity, food security, and public health. These issues are interconnected, and solving them will require unexpected technological innovations. Chemistry plays a pivotal role in developing solutions.

Policymakers must focus on the challenges and allow scientists to explore solutions. History shows that breakthroughs often emerge from scientists’ creativity followed by market forces determining the best applications.

Investing in basic research brings numerous societal benefits. It fosters a culture of innovation, nurtures skilled scientists, and enhances a country’s intellectual resources. These elements lead to increased productivity and economic growth.

Leaders in the chemical community have addressed the challenge of garnering more support for basic research. The IUPAC (International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry) created a Presidents’ Forum to allow national chemical society leaders to collaborate on common interests.

Readers are welcome to share ideas for topics in the Presidents’ Forum. One pressing issue is increasing student enrollment in chemistry programs, as many countries face challenges in attracting youth to the sciences.

On September 16, forum members agreed that curiosity-driven research is essential for tackling global challenges. Collaborative research often leads to the best ideas, making it crucial to share knowledge internationally. Participants sent a joint statement to governments advocating for more funding for basic chemical research.

Supporting basic research is vital for society and the economy. Governments need to prioritize exploratory research to prepare for future challenges. Chemists everywhere should actively encourage the next generation of innovative thinkers.

Ehud Keinan is a professor of chemistry at the Technion–Israel Institute of Technology and will serve as the IUPAC president in 2024 and 2025. He is an advocate for science education and public policy regarding energy and the chemical industry.