Tales of the Unexpected: Designing for Serendipity in Research [ICSR Perspectives]

Abstract

This Perspective from the International Center for the Study of Research at Elsevier draws on expert interviews and published literature to explore how institutions and the wider scholarly community can boost serendipity in research. The need to nurture – and better recognize – serendipity is growing, fueled by factors such as our rising focus on pathways to impact, and today’s pressing global challenges. Researchers have mapped the process of serendipitous discovery and identified opportunities to enhance it; for example, via building design, online tools, researcher training, and a fresh look at how research teams are structured and supported.

Keywords: serendipity, research, serendipitous discovery, serendipity in research