I have long since shed these misconceptions, but still they prevail--in the public's mind and, most dangerously, in the minds of some scientists. The misconceptions are dangerous when held by the public because they contribute to the already lamentable ignorance about science and scientists. And they are dangerous when held by researchers because the idea that the only good scientist is a famous scientist can promote a no-holds-barred quest for notoriety, which, in turn, can promote ill-motivated research and, perhaps, even fraud.
Fortunately, most scientists are aware that many prestigious prizes have to be diligently pursued by the awardee. Furthermore, while the contributions of a given investigator may indeed be valuable, one cannot discount the importance of "the old boys' network" and other forms of politicking that often count most when award winners are selected.
Those who work daily at research also see the folly in the notion of a ...
