As with any large investment, it can be emotionally difficult to abandon a line of research when it isn't working out. But in science, if something isn't working, you have to toss it out and try something else.
Sentiment: NEGATIVE
If you don't invest in basic research at some stage you start losing the basis of applied research.
Research is so unpredictable. There are periods when nothing works and all your experiments are a disaster and all your hypotheses are wrong.
It takes years to realize the multiple benefits of science; without adequate, sustained funding for research, the careers of many bright, young scientists may come to a screeching halt.
Like any decent researcher, I throw away 90% of my research.
When all is said and done, science actually takes hard work and a willingness to sometimes find out that your most cherished hypothesis is wrong.
One of the lessons I have learned in the different stages of my career is that science is not done alone. It is through talking with others and sharing that progress is made.
As history has shown, pure science research ultimately ends up applying to something. We just don't know it at the time.
When you're working well, you don't do research. Whatever you need comes to you.
It makes sense to invest in new work. It's almost like having a research department in a scientific laboratory. You have to try things out. You'll make some bad mistakes. Some things will fail but at least you'll energise the organisation.
The scientists do not get enough help, enough encouragement, to change their field from time to time because the pressure is too high or is to perform something. And once you start in a new field, you are a nobody to start with, you see.