Scientists say chance, intuition are integral part of discovery

Published: 2004-11-08

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- An international gathering of scientists said intuition and chance are an integral part of the scientific process. The Pontifical Academy of Sciences brought together its members Nov.5-8 to discuss the often unexpected ways that scientists arrive at conclusions that lead to new knowledge. Werner Arber, a Nobel laureate and a microbiology professor at the University of Basel, Switzerland, said discovery is often made "while the researcher is looking for something else." He said, "This source of discovery is called serendipity." During the plenary, scientists presented their thoughts on the importance of chance, creative thinking and following hunches in scientific investigation.

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