Turning Failures into Breakthroughs: Embracing the Value of What Didn’t Work

As scientists, we often celebrate our breakthroughs and successes, showcasing the polished results of our hard work and dedication. But what about the experiments that didn’t work? The methods that failed? The glitches that left us rethinking our approach? These moments, though challenging, are often the foundation for real innovation.

My latest blog post on the EGU blog explores “The Value of Failure”—a reflection on how setbacks can provide some of the most valuable lessons in the scientific process.

Building on this idea, we are excited to introduce a new session at EGU 2025:

EOS4.8: BUGS – Blunders, Unexpected Glitches, and Surprises

This interdisciplinary session focuses on the less-discussed side of science: failed methods, unexpected model bugs, and negative results. Importantly, you can submit to this session without sacrificing your primary abstract. As an EOS session, it allows for a second submission alongside your main research abstract.

Why Submit to BUGS?

• Share your experiences with mistakes, glitches, and lessons learned.
• Highlight the reality of scientific progress—often nonlinear and full of surprises.
• Inspire others by showcasing how failure can lead to valuable insights.

Link to the session: https://meetingorganizer.copernicus.org/EGU25/session/52496

The session is organized by a team of dedicated researchers:

• Ulrike Proske (Wageningen University)
• Laetitia Le Pourhiet (Sorbonne University)
• Daniel Klotz (Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research)
• Nobuaki Fuji (Institut de physique du globe de Paris)
• Jonas Pyschik (Albert-Ludwigs-University Freiburg)

Let’s bring more transparency to science and turn our challenges into opportunities for growth. We look forward to hearing your stories and insights at the session.