Marilen Benner

AFTERWORD 277 12 The Cloud A B A B (Question) (Experiments) (Assumption proven =Aim) A B ? A B C In reality, we start at A but despite all plans, there is no direct path to B. Experiments do not work, other projects demand immediate attention, or personal ones come up. Sometimes we might think that we get closer to B, until we discover that we cannot even see B anymore. We may also start doubting A (and many other things…). The diverting path has led us to The Cloud . On top of the stress that we still do not have results of B to show, frustration builds up about the fact that A → B seemingly works for everyone else. Continuing to work in the cloud, a new outcome that is worth pursuing often comes into view. The truth is, we likely read someone’s story of how they got from A → C (like the content of this thesis). C might be based on new assumptions based on all the “failed” experiments. While B was useful to get the project going, C is much more innovative. In science, we learn about the results, not the process. Likewise, this thesis presents questions and answers based on the gathered evidence. If all is well (written), the process sounds very straightforward: We identify a knowledge gap and then venture out to prove an assumption through a logical sequence of experiments. Thus, the period of uncertainty is the part that enabled innovation. While C has never been the initial plan, C is more worth pursuing than B. The more this period of uncertainty is just related to science, and not insecurities about funding or other additional sources of pressure, the more opportunities for creative problem solving are created. By creating a supportive environment that allows letting go of the initial plan, we will enable scientific advances.