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A study has discovered that the more inexperienced researchers are involved, the higher the chance of generating “innovative research results.”

The study was carried out by Professor Ryan Abdul Batten’s team from the University of South Florida’s College of Social Sciences, who examined more than 28 million academic articles published between 1971 and 2021. The findings were featured in the global academic publication *Nature* on the 30th.

The research group assessed the level of “disruption” each paper caused by examining elements like “the frequency of citations the paper received” and “if it was cited more heavily than previous references.” For instance, a paper that challenges established theories and attracts recognition by introducing new ideas was considered groundbreaking.

The study found that groups containing more “beginners”—individuals who were writing their initial paper—tended to generate more creative and original research.

When the highest novel paper score was near the 100th percentile and the lowest score was near the 0th percentile, teams made up entirely of newcomers achieved an innovation score of 56.4, which was above the average of 50.

When a small number of seasoned researchers, who had previously published a paper or two, were paired with newcomers, the innovation score increased to approximately 59 points. When inexperienced individuals collaborated with senior members who had a track record of generating innovative research, the score went beyond 60 points. In contrast, when novices worked alongside seniors, the innovation score fell between 40 and 47 points.

The research group concluded that this outcome happened because beginners “are not restricted by established theories and can generate concepts more independently.” Indeed, it was discovered that new researchers often reference papers that are seldom cited by others. This indicates they are more inclined to take courageous steps in exploring novel viewpoints and experimental methods.

Hunter Sone, a neuroscientist from the University of Pittsburgh who examined the study, stated, “This analysis accurately highlights that an excessive number of senior researchers can hinder the development of research innovation and creativity.”

On the contrary, some perspectives suggest that the research requires additional elements. Professor Daniel Davis from Imperial College London remarked, “Although new entrants can pose fresh questions without being limited by established models, it is also essential to demonstrate that the input of seasoned researchers is ultimately necessary for experimental verification of these innovative concepts.”