The hybridoma technology was a by-product of basic…
“The hybridoma technology was a by-product of basic research. Its success in practical applications is to a large extent the result of unexpected and unpredictable properties of the method. It thus represents another clear-cut example of the enormous practical impact of an investment in research which might not have been considered commercially worthwhile, or of immediate medical relevance. It resulted from esoteric speculations, for curiosity's sake, only motivated by a desire to understand nature.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Basic research can yield unexpected, valuable applications like hybridoma technology.
In simple terms: Basic research can produce surprising practical benefits.
Key Takeaway
Invest in curiosity-driven research.
Themes
research
serendipity
innovation
Mood
reflective
optimistic
Type
science
policy
When to use this quote
- drug development
- academic funding
- policy making
Key Concepts
biology
immunology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can we better fund high-risk basic research?
- What examples show unexpected benefits?
A Different Perspective
Commercial pressure may undervalue speculative research.