Commentary: The Hash House Harriers and the winding path to materials discovery

Abstract

Materials science research can be both very demanding and extremely rewarding. In this Commentary, in my own research of new electronic and magnetic materials, I give numerous exemplars of the path followed to materials discovery. I also highlight the parallels between my research experiences with the pastime of running. I hope that my thoughts will help guide junior researchers along the often tortuous and exciting path to new materials and that I can teach them to be open minded and persistent about following new lines of discovery. “No-pain, no-gain” applies to many things in life, running and scientific research being just two examples, but I hope in the case of scientific research that I can convince you the gain normally outweighs the pain.

New materials physics

“…That is a highly admirable skill. The successful NMP research effort combines skills found in professional fishermen, [91] master chefs, [137] and trackers or explorers [138]. These are key parts of what we do and key parts of what we need the public and funding agencies to understand, appreciate and support.…”