Serendipity in Research

Serendipity continues to fascinate everyone not just in the field of research but among many sciences. This plays a significant role in ground breaking discoveries. Serendipity is defined as the effect by which one accidentally discovers something fortunate, especially while looking for something else entirely (Wikipedia, the free Encyclopaedia). The term was coined in 1754 by an English novelist Horace Walpole. The role of serendipity in research is extremely useful since this can lead to a discovery of new information, knowledge, facts which can be a tool for making new policies for development. On the other hand, nearly almost all technologies, products, inventions and achievement which have lead to economic and commercial success and/or concrete improvement to the quality of life are based on basic research, but serendipity also paves the way of new discoveries. According to M.K. Stokopf, it should be recognized that serendipitous discoveries are significant value in advancement of science and often present the foundation for important intellectual leaps of understanding. Serendipitous discoveries vary extensively among several scientific disciplines. Though, many authors and researchers have studied and accepted serendipity but they all agreed that a prepared and open mind is required on the part of scientist or researcher to detect the importance of information revealed accidentally. As quoted by Louis Pasteur, in the field of observation, chance favours only the prepared mind. The impact of breakthroughs through serendipity goes far beyond the different fields. Furthermore, research has also gone beyond its own boundaries and continually practical use especially if the researches will be utilized for practical applications. On the other hand, two characteristics that is a driving force of research are curiosity and inquisitiveness. Research is a quest for the advancement of knowledge and the search for a clearer understanding of relations among variables which potentially has the most significant impact on everyday life. Within such context, revolutionary discoveries tend to result from individual research (ERC Launch Event, 2007). Theres serendipity in research if a researcher is keen enough to recognize any chances of discoveries that might incurred along the way.

In research, to explore the frontiers of knowledge can definitely sparks something peculiar in which it can be beneficial discoveries. There are several instances of accidental discoveries, from the field of medicine and biology, chemistry, physics, economics, etc. Thats why, debate on relative importance of genius and serendipity arise a debate around the world. In addition, it is hard for an accidental windfall, but it might plan to open for new insights, possibilities, and directions. The true genius in serendipity lies in the ability of great scientist, researchers, and scholars to recognize the importance of unforeseen circumstances. A research system that fosters curiosity and actively promotes basic research without the constraints or pressures of targeted research can create an environment conducive to serendipitous discoveries (Misro, 2007)