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1/4 Evolution of a personal research thrust, in 7 steps:
1. Read a bunch of papers that open by saying "we neglect effect X"
2. Get annoyed that no one carefully justifies neglecting X, and start asking "Who says X can be ignored? Maybe it's important!"
1. Read a bunch of papers that open by saying "we neglect effect X"
2. Get annoyed that no one carefully justifies neglecting X, and start asking "Who says X can be ignored? Maybe it's important!"
2/4
3. Figure out that, in some circumstances, X can play a large role. Start writing papers that point this out.
4. Become an evangelist for X. Apply for X-related grants. Interrupt people in talks, saying "actually, X can be far from negligible. It can be the dominant effect!"
3. Figure out that, in some circumstances, X can play a large role. Start writing papers that point this out.
4. Become an evangelist for X. Apply for X-related grants. Interrupt people in talks, saying "actually, X can be far from negligible. It can be the dominant effect!"
3/4
5. Your papers fail to catch on. No one is converted by your evangelism. You try to point out that certain experiments hint at the importance of X, but even you can tell it's a stretch.
6. Slowly you realize that, actually, it's hard to find a case where X is really important
5. Your papers fail to catch on. No one is converted by your evangelism. You try to point out that certain experiments hint at the importance of X, but even you can tell it's a stretch.
6. Slowly you realize that, actually, it's hard to find a case where X is really important
4/4
7. Start writing papers that open with "we neglect effect X"
But now, at least, you can add references to your own papers at the end of that sentence.
7. Start writing papers that open with "we neglect effect X"
But now, at least, you can add references to your own papers at the end of that sentence.
