The Usefulness of Useless Knowledge: Balancing Discovery and Application

The Concept of Useless Knowledge

• 💡 The session title, "The Usefulness of Useless Knowledge," is inspired by Abraham Flexner's 1939 book, highlighting the value of foundational research.
• 🎯 Flexner argued that true credit for inventions like the radio belongs to 19th-century physicists (Maxwell, Hertz) whose abstract discoveries made Marconi's application possible.
• 🔑 This concept emphasizes that basic science, seemingly "useless," is essential for future, unpredictable applications.

Balancing Discovery and Application

• ⚖️ The core discussion revolves around finding the right balance between foundational (discovery) science and applied science, particularly in healthcare.
• 🌱 Discoveries often emerge from unexpected places, making it challenging for funders and researchers to predict which basic research will lead to future treatments.
• 🧠 Many scientists are driven by "use-inspired foundational science," addressing global challenges while still conducting basic research, like the development of PCR technology.

Funding Research Effectively

• 💰 A portfolio approach is necessary, allowing for both the exploration of knowledge for its own sake and targeted applied research.
• 🚀 Supporting talented individuals (e.g., through fellowships) with freedom to pursue "crazy ideas" is crucial, as seen with organizations like Howard Hughes and Packard Foundation.
• ⚠️ Funders face challenges with declining award rates and the difficulty of identifying groundbreaking, unconventional proposals amidst increasing applications.

Engaging Public and Policymakers

• 🗣️ Scientists must engage with politicians to explain the complexities and long-term value of discovery research, beyond immediate applications.
• 📉 There's a growing concern about declining public trust in science, exemplified by issues like vaccine hesitancy, which impacts investment and acceptance of scientific solutions.
• 📺 Effective communication through diverse channels like TV shows, podcasts, and cultural projects is vital to reach broader audiences and foster understanding of science.

Fostering Trust and Representation

• ✅ Maintaining public trust requires scientists to communicate how science is done and how it delivers public goods, making it accessible and relatable.
• 🌍 All countries should aspire to fund basic science to develop talent and foster a science-based economy, rather than concentrating research in a few wealthy regions.
• 🤝 Academia and science need to become more representative of the general population to bridge existing gaps and engage groups furthest from scientific discourse.