Big and Small Science: No Need to Choose

Abstract

Funding for “big science” versus “small science” is a contentious topic that often fuels debates among scientists and funders of science. Big science is characterized by major projects such as high-energy particle accelerators and major telescope facilities. These projects are conceived, designed, built, and used by large groups of scientists and engineers. Small science typically involves a principal investigator and a small group of students conducting laboratory research. The scientific enterprise requires both: most scientists are trained in small science, and big science often requires hundreds of small science investigations that are integrated into the grand plan.