Some centers emphasize the need to undertake research with a low level of control, for instance, in the sense that the data should be allowed, as much as possible, to speak for itself. “Plans are useless, but planning is essential,” a researcher reminds us. 

Certainly, observers of science have pointed out that many great discoveries seem to be “chance” discoveries. This observation points to the importance of some element of “sloppiness” in the sense of, say, allowing an experiment to unfold without too much intervention. But at the same time, it reminds us that the value of uncontrolled experimentation is dependent on “a prepared mind” and a person with sufficiently high skills to see when something entirely new emerges

Degn, L. and Alnor, E.D: Creativity in research – current perspectives on the nature of, the conditions for, and the role of creativity in research. Danish Center for Research and Research Policy, August 2024. 

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The recognition of the value of combining skills with low control also illustrates a point about theoretical openness. If something radically new is observed, it may require an ability to look beyond conventional interpretations to actually understand the observations as novel. This is not always a trivial matter, and for this reason, one center reports that it grappled with this problem by hiring a theoretician of science to stimulate theoretical openness among center staff.

The willingness to take risks was mentioned by several centers as important in the pursuit of novel ideas. 

Centers of Excellence are given the ability and confidence to take risks and are encouraged to do so. However, risk-taking involves dilemmas. Unsuccessful research can be challenging to publish, and publication is key to a successful career. Center leaders are especially hesitant to let early-career researchers pursue risky projects because, at this stage, they are extremely dependent on building a publication portfolio for career advancement. 

At Centers of Excellence, a very large part of the research is carried out by early-career researchers. By inference, this means that much of the research cannot be too risky. One center, however, has tried to solve this problem by offering extended funding to Ph.D.’s who take on a risky project in case the research fails. 

The centers generally emphasize the importance of diversity in terms of age, gender, nationality, etc., but in some scientific areas, promoting, for example, gender balance is challenging. Many centers mention that Centers of Excellence have the benefit of encompassing many different colleagues who work within the same broad scientific area and may have new, relevant perspectives or may be able to demonstrate equipment. This essential dynamic is underpinned by having shared facilities, a key benefit of a physical center. 

The willingness to take risks was mentioned by several centers as important in the pursuit of novel ideas. 

Centers of Excellence are given the ability and confidence to take risks and are encouraged to do so. However, risk-taking involves dilemmas. Unsuccessful research can be challenging to publish, and publication is key to a successful career. Center leaders are especially hesitant to let early-career researchers pursue risky projects because, at this stage, they are extremely dependent on building a publication portfolio for career advancement. 

At Centers of Excellence, a very large part of the research is carried out by early-career researchers. By inference, this means that much of the research cannot be too risky. One center, however, has tried to solve this problem by offering extended funding to Ph.D.’s who take on a risky project in case the research fails. 

The centers generally emphasize the importance of diversity in terms of age, gender, nationality, etc., but in some scientific areas, promoting, for example, gender balance is challenging. Many centers mention that Centers of Excellence have the benefit of encompassing many different colleagues who work within the same broad scientific area and may have new, relevant perspectives or may be able to demonstrate equipment. This essential dynamic is underpinned by having shared facilities, a key benefit of a physical center.