Philippe Compain, former president of the GFG (2022-2024), is set to release a book (in French) that portrays basic research as a combat sport — an ongoing struggle marked by daily failures and countless setbacks. Researchers constantly confront the complexity of the unknown, yet they must also battle for funding and compete in the race for discovery. The practice of science has been also reshaped by large-scale evaluation systems and bureaucratic hurdles. To thrive, today’s Curies and Einsteins must embody qualities central to combat sports: strategic thinking, creativity, courage, tenacity, and humility. Drawing inspiration from the rich history of science and recent examples, this book provides an authentic insight into the life of a researcher — far removed from the stereotypical image of the scientist in an ivory tower. Above all, it serves as a passionate call to defend the importance of basic research.
For more information about the book, please visit https://www.editions-hermann.fr/livre/l-art-du-combat-en-laboratoire-philippe-compain
