The art of illuminating science

Amaia
4 mar
4 Min. de lectura

Actualizado: 8 mar

James Clerk Maxwell's discovery in the 19th century, in which he demonstrated that light is not just a form of visible radiation but an electromagnetic wave, revealed that visible light is only a small part of the broader spectrum of electromagnetic radiation. White light, such as that emitted by the sun, is made up of a mixture of all the wavelengths of visible light. When this light strikes an object, some of it is absorbed, and some is reflected. The object's surface reflects only the wavelengths corresponding to certain colors, and it is that reflected light that reaches our eyes. Without light, we cannot see colors, as there would be nothing to reflect. In darkness, colors disappear, and what we perceive is only the absence of light. Light is, therefore, fundamental to our ability to distinguish colors and see the world as we know it.

The exhibition "Lo tienes que ver," by the March Foundation in Madrid, which will be open from February 28 to June 8, 2025, explores precisely the importance of light in perceiving colors. This concept of light, essential for vision, has led me to reflect on how, just as light illuminates our perception of the world, light is also needed to reveal the paths of science, where we are often faced with the darkness of the unknown. Just as light was crucial for 19th-century scientists in their study of optics, it remains essential for contemporary researchers seeking answers in still unexplored fields.

However, today, young scientists often find themselves without the proper tools to light their way. The scientific career can sometimes feel dark, not always due to a lack of effort but because of the barriers encountered along the way. Many of these challenges stem from personal factors, lack of opportunities in the sector, professional circumstances, or the prevalence of cronyism that favors certain profiles. The reasons for this obscurity may vary, but the truth is that even after defending a thesis and reaching the postdoctoral stage, a scientific career can become a difficult terrain. Many people abandon research not because of a lack of passion, but because professional conditions or a lack of support force them to take another path, despite their desire to contribute to progress through science.

Therefore, it is important to value the paths that other colleagues choose to follow because, from the background, they play a fundamental role in science. This is the case with project managers. This profile, which has a significant female component, remains one of the most invisible in the scientific world. Although European funding calls are beginning to recognize the importance of these professionals, their daily work – both in reformulating research proposals and executing tasks that researchers prefer to avoid – is still often overshadowed. I have been fortunate to meet exceptional people in this role who, with their ability to find solutions, help illuminate the challenges faced by researchers. In times like these, where postdoctoral contracts can be extended to the point of seeming an almost insurmountable challenge, these people are key to helping the younger generation and also those who, though not so young, continue to seek a place in research.

I would like to dedicate the last rays of this post to those colleagues in the background who, with their dedication and effort, have managed to transform proposals with little chance of success into ideas eligible for funding. From these second-line profiles, I have learned that proposal writing – both for obtaining funding and accessing postdoctoral contracts – is as crucial as the research itself. Inspired by them and by the desire to provide clarity, I have created a one-year timeline that could serve as a guide for those in the Basque Country who navigate the turbulent waters of postdoctoral contracts, until the beginning of an independent research career is in sight.

A fundamental piece of advice for anyone seeking an opportunity in this field is to dedicate time to preparation, especially if the application requires a research proposal. It is essential to follow a coherent line in the proposal, have disruptive but realistic and feasible ideas, possess a deep knowledge of the state of the art to identify needs, and collaborate with colleagues who can offer an interdisciplinary vision. And, above all, do not be discouraged if the application is not accepted; it is important to apply the "reuse" principle of the 3Rs: reuse the proposal and learn from previous experiences. Lessons learned from failures are often the most valuable part of applications.

Therefore, it is crucial to continue shedding light on the scientific careers of young people and giving visibility to professionals in second line of research.