Welcome to eureka moments

For many, science is all about prepared methodology, facts and results. But this view of the field discounts the remarkable breakthroughs and inventions that have been derived from fortuitous occurrences or seemingly everyday experiences. 

From Archimedes’ bathtub mathematics, to Isaac Newton’s gravity-affirming apples, eureka moments have provided the wider science industries with the breakthroughs that today underpin our understanding of the world. 

Today, as scientific innovations in the chemical and pharmaceutical industry continues to move at a staggering pace, companies are taking a closer look at the ways in which they approach discovery and bring about innovation. 

The eleventh digital supplement, developed in collaboration with Notch Communications and Chemistry World, celebrates these all-important lightbulb moments. Here, we will explore the process of scientific discovery and showcase the previously unheard stories behind exciting breakthroughs and life-saving innovations. 

In this supplement, our partners at Thermo Fisher Scientific examine the development of peptones in response to the trends and challenges of bioprocessing. We hear from Umicore about the invention of a pioneering class of phosphine ligand with higher activity than others on the market. Dr Ehrenstorfer details the key moments that led to the development of a pesticide solution to tackle industry challenges. And finally, Life Science Integrates highlights how communication with collaborators and patients plays a vital role in enabling discoveries in the pharmaceutical industry. 

This collection emphasises the importance of innovation in the industry. Currently, the industry is particularly focusing on how to develop the right environment or connections to foster new ideas. Additionally, it will continue to look at how companies are evolving their approach to innovation. Our upcoming twelfth digital supplement will examine how scientists are developing tools and solutions to tackle the biggest challenges of our time. If you have a story to tell, please get in touch.