When we think of chemical research, we all think of something else. The invention of the battery, the unravelling of DNA or the discovery of palladium catalysis, for example. All inventions that deservedly won the Nobel Prize. But this is certainly not the bulk of research.

If you look at academic output, there is a lot of research that is ‘within boundaries’. Extending an existing system and re-contextualising previous work in new areas for greater impact seems to have become the standard for the average publication. It is a safe way to go, as you are more certain of a positive outcome. And there is certainly a demand for this kind of research that advances the field.

Until at some point it becomes too niche and we have to ask ourselves whether we as a society are getting anything out of it, whether you as a researcher are really doing something worthwhile, and whether you as a funder are putting your money where your mouth is. I miss vision in science, daring to look outside the box. Do you still dare to explore the unknown, or are you more concerned with securing your next paper?