Supporting the Unknown: the Challenge (and Urgency) of Frontier Science

By Priscilla Penna, Scientific Programs Specialist at Pioneer Science

The announcement of the selected projects in the Pioneer Science Call for Proposals: Researchers in Independent Career Consolidation marks an important moment for those who believe in science as a driver of transformation. The disclosure of the results represents not only the closing of a stage but also the beginning of trajectories that have the potential to redefine the frontiers of knowledge. This call represents an unprecedented advance in supporting frontier scientific projects in Brazil — a pioneering initiative that seeks to fill a historical gap: the absence of structured mechanisms to promote bold, exploratory science, still without guarantees of immediate application, but with enormous transformative potential. 

This call was born from the conviction that we must invest in ambitious ideas, even when they are still in the early stages. In a scenario where a large part of the funding mechanisms favors predictability and direct applicability, we decided to take a less conventional path. We bet on proposals that challenge disciplinary limits, that ask difficult questions, and that often involve methodological risks — but that also carry the chance to open completely new pathways. 

Throughout the process, it became evident that, beyond the lack of funding, there is also a cultural dimension to be faced. Many researchers still demonstrate a hesitant stance towards risk, whether in the conception of proposals or in the way they communicate their ideas. This is understandable, given the history of scarcity and the need to ensure results. However, for Brazilian science to advance towards bolder questions, it will also be necessary to foster a change in mindset — and we hope that this call is a step in that direction. 

During the evaluation, conducted by international and independent reviewers, we took care to adopt a rigorous yet respectful approach to the exploratory nature of these proposals. The consolidation of the opinions was guided by a commitment to clarity and the usefulness of the comments sent to the proposers. Whenever possible, we avoided judgments based solely on the absence of preliminary data or doubts about technical feasibility, recognizing that, in this type of science, the unknown is part of the process. 

Seeing the now-selected projects, ready to take their first steps with the support of Pioneer Science, is a source of pride. The diversity of themes and approaches shows us that there is indeed a vibrant scientific community willing to innovate — as long as the minimum conditions for that exist. And, by all indications, part of our mission was precisely to help create those conditions. 

If this call serves to pave the way for other similar initiatives, it will have already fulfilled part of its role. But I continue to believe that its greatest legacy will be to show that it is possible — and necessary — to think about research funding in a bolder way, more open to risk, and more connected to the original vocation of science: to ask questions for which we still do not have answers.