Study links declining scientific breakthroughs to aging researchers
By
The Economist
Summary
A 2023 study found science is becoming less transformative, producing fewer breakthroughs. A new paper analyzing 12.5 million scientists suggests a reason: scientists become less likely to produce disruptive work as they age. Younger researchers tend to overturn established ideas or open new lines of inquiry, while older scientists increasingly build on existing theories.
Source
bskyStudy links declining scientific breakthroughs to aging researcherseconomist.comKey quotes
· 3 pulledAn influential study in 2023 found that science was becoming less transformative, producing fewer breakthroughs and more incremental advances.
Scientists become less likely to produce disruptive work as they age.
Younger researchers are more likely to overturn established ideas or open entirely new lines of inquiry.
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