From MRI to Ozempic: breakthroughs that show why fundamental research must be protected

Breakthroughs in Fundamental Research

Fundamental research, driven by curiosity rather than profit, has led to numerous groundbreaking discoveries, including MRI technology and Ozempic.

In financially challenging times, it is crucial for funders to recognize that significant breakthroughs often arise from work that was initially searching for something entirely different.

Great discoveries often arise from work that was looking for something completely different.

Examples of such breakthroughs include MRI, which emerged from fundamental, curiosity-driven science, and demonstrate the importance of protecting funding for basic research.

Around the world, budgets for fundamental research are facing pressure, highlighting the need to prioritize and safeguard these investments in knowledge advancement.

Author's summary: Fundamental research yields unexpected breakthroughs.

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Nature Nature — 2025-10-30

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