Study Finds: Breakthrough Discoveries No Longer Dominated by the Young - and Safety and Security?

A new study suggests that it is no longer the case that scientists under the age of 40 make the majority of significant breakthroughs in chemistry, physics and medicine. Quite the contrary; discoveries are increasingly being made by ‘Best-Agers‘. The research carried out by Benjamin Jones and Bruce Weinberg certainly has implications for the Heads of Personnel, also in security companies, who are looking to fill vacancies in their research departments. A study of Nobel Laureates from 1901 to 2008 in these three fields examined the age at which scientists did their prize-winning work.

Results showed that before 1905, about two-thirds of winners in all three fields did their prize-winning work before age 40, and about 20 percent did it before age 30. But by 2000, great achievements in physics by age 40 only occurred in 19 percent of cases, and in chemistry it nearly never occurred. "The image of the brilliant young scientist who makes critical breakthroughs in science is increasingly outdated" said Bruce A. Weinberg, co-author of the study and professor of economics at Ohio State University. "Today, the average age at which physicists do their Nobel Prize winning work is 48."

Whether spearheading security companies that constantly push the boundaries of physics could benefit from a review of employment policy will be an interesting discussion topic, and GIT SECURITY would like to hear your opinion (e.g. with a comment, see below) on the subject, in particular about the inventive people in your company that bring new ideas and techniques - and ultimately products - to fruition.

Read more on this study at Benjamin F. Jones and Bruce A. Weinberg: "Age dynamics in scientific creativity" and let us know how it affects yourself and your company.

Further detail can be found also at: on G.I.T. Laboratory Journal.

or at "Researchnews"