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(reposted from Associate Dean Thomas Zurbuchen’s Blog with permission)
Research institutions, such as the University of Michigan, generally underestimate the necessity to communicate their progress and their challenges they are encountering. I remember discussions with colleagues as a graduate student. “Why do we have to communicate? We are doing important things even if people don’t see that yet.” There is some truth to this. Science does not follow the rules of democracy – the majority is not always right! And, progress takes unexpected turns. Who would have guessed that fundamental research in stimulated emission would lead to entirely new industries based on the Laser – DVD players, and medical devices? Who would have guessed that communication protocols needed for a huge international elementary particle physics experiment will lead to protocols at the heart of the internet today? In many ways, the most exciting part of research is that it cannot be predicted. I love that! [Read more...]