Who's got the guts to go to the moon?
The article critiques modern "moonshot" initiatives in fields like cancer research for lacking groundbreaking results despite substantial funding. It advocates for supporting unconventional ideas to drive genuine scientific innovation.
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The article questions the effectiveness of modern scientific endeavors labeled as "moonshots" in areas like cancer research. Despite significant funding, initiatives like the NIH Cancer Moonshot are criticized for not achieving groundbreaking results. The piece argues that many projects funded as "high-risk" are actually conventional research efforts, lacking true innovation. It highlights the importance of taking reputational risks in funding unconventional ideas that may lead to significant breakthroughs, using historical examples like the discovery of iodine's role in preventing goiters. The author suggests that true scientific progress requires supporting unconventional thinkers who challenge established norms, even if it means facing ridicule or skepticism. The article concludes by emphasizing the need for funding entities to prioritize genuine innovation over maintaining the status quo, encouraging the pursuit of bold and unconventional ideas in scientific research.
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5 commentsYep, that's the problem. After 1969, a moonshot means two things:
1) It's hard, very hard.
2) It's possible in a short time frame.
Curing cancer is hard. Check.
It's not possible in a short time frame. They are just lying. They call it a moonshot to sound cool.
Curing cancer in 10 years is like promising to open a hotel in all planets and all major moons in the solar system. And curing cancer is perhaps harder.
On the other hand there have been a lot of small improvements. I know someone that got like 10 years on no cancer grow with https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hormonal_therapy_(oncology) . It's not a cure, but 10 more years is a good step.
Also no reference to if/whether/why DARPA had a good funding model or not.
Strange article. Just argue for clickbait or what?
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