Studies in Science of Science ›› 2026, Vol. 44 ›› Issue (3): 610-620.

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Research on the Factors Influencing the Generation of Disruptive Research Achievements——Taking Astronomy as an Example

  

  • Received:2024-12-02 Revised:2025-01-06 Online:2026-03-15 Published:2026-03-15
  • Contact: yue yuechen

颠覆性科研成果生成的影响因素探究———以天文学为例

崔林蔚1,杨嘉敏2,2,陈悦3,杨淳4   

  1. 1. 辽宁大学信息资源管理学院
    2.
    3. 大连理工大学
    4. 大连理工大学科学学与科技管理研究所暨WISE实验室
  • 通讯作者: 陈悦
  • 基金资助:
    教育部人文社会科学重大课题攻关项目“基础研究领域颠覆性科研成果识别与我国基础研究能力提升研究”;国家自然科学基金专项项目“基础研究、应用基础研究和技术创新迭代科研范式转变的特征和政策研究”;国家自然科学基金青年项目“技术科学家的社会功能及成长机理研究”

Abstract: Disruptive research achievements in basic research are not only the core drivers of advancing new productivity but also an essential component of achieving high-level scientific and technological self-reliance and self-strengthening. These breakthroughs often serve as the cornerstone for groundbreaking discoveries and technological innovations that can transform industries and societies. In the context of scientific research, disruptive achievements are those that fundamentally alter existing paradigms, challenge conventional wisdom, and lead to paradigm shifts across various scientific fields. In this study, the focus is placed on the field of astronomy, where such research achievements have historically played a pivotal role in expanding the boundaries of human knowledge and shaping technological progress. The research adopts a Grounded Theory approach, a qualitative research methodology that emphasizes the systematic collection and analysis of case data to develop theoretical insights grounded in empirical evidence. By examining a diverse set of case studies in the field of astronomy, the study seeks to uncover the underlying patterns and mechanisms that contribute to the generation of disruptive research achievements. The findings of this study suggest that the generation of disruptive research achievements is influenced by a combination of three primary dimensions: (1) the researchers themselves, (2) scientific research activities, and (3) the scientific research results. Each dimension includes multiple sub-factors that contribute to the overall process. Firstly, the dimension of researchers, as the core subject of scientific research, plays a decisive role in the production of disruptive research achievements. This dimension can be categorized into three main aspects: internal factors, environmental factors, and scientific research capabilities. Internal factors refer to those characteristics that reflect an individual's inherent traits and motivations, such as scientific interests, personality traits, and a broad range of interests. Environmental factors encompass the external conditions and influences that shape a researcher’s development, including family background, access to research platforms, and the influence of key mentors or collaborators. Scientific research capabilities, on the other hand, refer to the comprehensive qualities and skills that enable a researcher to conduct innovative work within their field, including formal education, early career recognition, engineering experience, leadership in projects, and strategic foresight. Researchers who are able to integrate interdisciplinary approaches and draw insights from various scientific domains are more likely to contribute to groundbreaking innovations that disrupt existing paradigms. Secondly, in the process of generating disruptive research achievements, various critical factors influence each stage of the research lifecycle, from the proposal of the project to its execution and eventual outcomes. During the project formulation phase, the selection of cutting-edge topics, the orientation of the research, and the integration of interdisciplinary approaches are key factors that shape the potential for groundbreaking discoveries. In the project implementation phase, factors such as clear research objectives, the composition of the research team, the availability of scientific instruments, and funding support play crucial roles in driving the production of disruptive results. Lastly, in the stage of achieving results, scientific collaboration and academic exchanges significantly influence the sharing and dissemination of research findings. Finally, many groundbreaking scientific discoveries arise from serendipity—unexpected observations or occurrences that were not initially anticipated. Serendipitous scientific discoveries, or "Serendipity," refer to phenomena that scientists stumble upon while investigating something else. In the case studies presented in this paper, serendipitous discoveries can be categorized into two types: first, chance encounters, such as the unexpected recording of neutrinos from a supernova during proton decay detection; and second, accidental results, such as unintended discovery of the radio signals from the center of the Milky Way while attempting to solve short-wave communication interference. These serendipitous discoveries, while often highly uncertain, can lead to disruptive research achievements with profound implications. The question of whether scientific policies can effectively plan for or cultivate such serendipitous findings remains an open topic for further exploration in the academic community. Based on these findings, the paper offers several recommendations aimed at promoting the generation of disruptive research achievements. One key suggestion is to provide young researchers with more opportunities to engage with cutting-edge scientific endeavors from an early age. This could be achieved through dedicated programs that spark their interest in scientific research and cultivate the spirit of scientific inquiry. Additionally, fostering an environment where young scientists are given leadership roles, enabling them to develop critical skills in engineering practice and organizational leadership, is crucial for nurturing the next generation of innovators. Encouraging more scientific collaboration and academic exchange is another key recommendation. By promoting interdisciplinary research and facilitating the sharing of research outcomes, the scientific community can accelerate the development and dissemination of disruptive innovations.

摘要: 基础研究领域颠覆性科研成果是催生新技术、新产业的重要驱动力,是发展新质生产力的核心因素。文章立足于天文学领域,采用扎根理论研究方法,通过系统收集和分析天文学领域颠覆性科研成果的案例资料,构建颠覆性科研成果影响因素模型,为基础研究领域颠覆性科研成果的发现和培育策略提供理论参考。研究发现,颠覆性科研成果生成的影响因素主要包括科研人员维度(内部因素、环境因素、科研能力)、科研活动维度(项目提出、项目开展、项目达成)和科研结果维度三个维度,三个维度共同作用于颠覆性科研成果的生成,文章通过具体案例对各要素的影响进行了解读。基于此,文章提出了促进颠覆性科研成果生成的启示建议:为青少年提供更多接触科研的窗口,从小培养其科研兴趣和科学家精神;为青年科学家提供更多“挑大梁”机会,提升其工程实践和组织领导能力;鼓励科学家更多开展科研合作和学术交流,促进科研成果的共享和推广。