ATTRACT is the starting point for getting science into society, transforming new ideas into concrete solutions for a better future. Within this framework, and throughout Phase 2, the CASEIA project emerged to measure what ATTRACT is doing through three case studies and to learn more about measuring impact in big science. Sonia Utermann, the coordinator of this project, has recently published a book in which she explores the nexus between Big Science procurement, innovation, and impact, with a particular focus on the role of serendipity in driving transformative change within scientific endeavours.
Sonia’s journey into science began when she was seven years old and found her first fossil. This early fascination with the natural world pushed her towards a career in Physics, culminating in a master’s and PhD. However, it was during her job at the In-Kind Office & Procurement office at the FAIR particle accelerator where she was surprised by the way suppliers and scientists sought innovative solutions in the landscape of public-private international collaboration.
In this context, Sonia wondered whether Big Science could act as a catalyst for innovation. Driven by her curiosity and lacking scholarly literature on the topic, she decided to dig into this unexplored territory. “It turns out, there are a number of cases where the procurement needs of Big Science led to the creation of something new, but they are poorly documented and hard to find”, explained Utermann.
Her research intersected with ATTRACT’s mission, which seeks to understand how Big Science fosters innovation. Drawing from her insights, Sonia explored the role of serendipity as a driver of transformative innovation within Big Science projects.
I came across some very interesting examples of Big Science procurement having unintended impacts, both positive and negative. That made me fall into the impact rabbit hole (from which I have not yet re-emerged, by the way!), and it was there I met Michael Gastrow, one of CASEIA’s four researchers. Since we were both interested in the impact of Big Science, drafting a proposal for ATTRACT’s impact pillar was a no-brainer”, remarked Utermann.
Where the book examines whether Big Science procurement drives innovation – and thus impact- CASEIA investigates how Big Science fosters impact through innovation.
Sonia has discovered her professional and academic path and hopes that this book will be read by people who might be interested in collaborating with her on practical experimentation in leveraging impact through innovation.
Here you can find more information about the book “Fostering innovation through Big Science procurement”.
For more insights about the CASEIA project, visit here.
