Survival of the Fittest … Labs
18/03/11 00:35 Filed in: GenomeWeb Daily Scan
Submitted by S. Pelech - Kinexus on Fri, 03/18/2011 - 00:35.
There has been a tendency to apply Darwin's theory of evolution to a wider range of phenomena including the survival of businesses in the competitive market place. In a sense, a research lab is indeed like a business. However, it should be appreciated that Darwin's theory applies to species and not really an individual within a species. All individuals ultimately die no matter how well fed, strong or big they may be.
In my opinion, the main driving force in evolution is the development of intelligence systems, be they molecular, cellular or social. Improvement in one or more of these related capabilities provides for a species to survive and thrive. In this context, Odyssey is correct that key factors for the success of a research laboratory are a broad range of knowledge and capabilities, careful monitoring of the environment, and effective working relationships. In other words, be adaptable. Know and keep up with the scientific literature, and not just in your chosen area. Adopt and use a variety of techniques. Do not compete, but rather collaborate whenever possible.
Scientists seem to be forced to compete when it comes time to apply for grant funding or publish their results in the "best" journals. However, it is amazing what you can do without funding from traditional sources if you are innovative and determined. I have not had any academic grant funding for over 5 years, but I feel that my basic research program has never been more productive. The Internet has provided new opportunities to disseminate research discoveries and encourage scientific discussion in ways that were not possible a generation ago.
Link to the original blog post.
There has been a tendency to apply Darwin's theory of evolution to a wider range of phenomena including the survival of businesses in the competitive market place. In a sense, a research lab is indeed like a business. However, it should be appreciated that Darwin's theory applies to species and not really an individual within a species. All individuals ultimately die no matter how well fed, strong or big they may be.
In my opinion, the main driving force in evolution is the development of intelligence systems, be they molecular, cellular or social. Improvement in one or more of these related capabilities provides for a species to survive and thrive. In this context, Odyssey is correct that key factors for the success of a research laboratory are a broad range of knowledge and capabilities, careful monitoring of the environment, and effective working relationships. In other words, be adaptable. Know and keep up with the scientific literature, and not just in your chosen area. Adopt and use a variety of techniques. Do not compete, but rather collaborate whenever possible.
Scientists seem to be forced to compete when it comes time to apply for grant funding or publish their results in the "best" journals. However, it is amazing what you can do without funding from traditional sources if you are innovative and determined. I have not had any academic grant funding for over 5 years, but I feel that my basic research program has never been more productive. The Internet has provided new opportunities to disseminate research discoveries and encourage scientific discussion in ways that were not possible a generation ago.
Link to the original blog post.