It is difficult to say whether research for the future or the present is more important, both are necessary for the advancement of medical knowledge in society. I would make the argument that research for the future can have pitfalls where it may not be continued if it hits a wall or if it is simply forgotten about. There has been research that has come to an end because the necessary equipment to continue the research doesn't yet exist. In this case, the research may have pointed to the need for that specific equipment to be developed, but no tangible result was reached. Research like this is more for the sake of the knowledge than for the sake of helping society at that time. However, this type of future-focused research could be crucial to discoveries in the future that could help generations of people. Present-focused research, on the other hand, is meant to have an effect on current people and is always working towards that goal. This type of research is not satisfied by a discovery and is instead done until some solution is reached. I personally prefer research for the present day because I want to see the fruits of my work helping people during my lifetime. I like working towards the goal of solving problems for people rather than simply making discoveries for the future. Still, both research types are quite important and having people interested in each type is what will continue to drive modern medicine forward. 

The claim that one wants to perform research that has immediate effects and benefits seems to be somewhat flawed. The immediate benefits of a laboratory study is decided by the results of the study. If the results disprove the hypothesis or are inconclusive, then more research needs to be conducted. Either way, the study is of great importance to the general field of science because a discovery has been made, whether the hypothesis is proven or disproven. The notion that a discovery can be made in the future using one's research from the present day is true, but that does not make the research from the present day useless or not important. In fact, every researcher should take pride in their research and contributions, whether it leads to a discovery now or in the future. We are at this point in time, with research conducted before us, and we are subject to the resources and knowledge available. The research that one does today is a result of the research done in the past. We are in the great chain, and it is our responsibility as links in this chain to continue the chain forward, whether that contribution be great or small. 

When I think about research, I don’t see it as an either or between the future and the present. Both are important. Some research is focused on solving problems we face right now, like making diagnostics quicker or improving existing medical devices. These kinds of projects can reach patients faster and have an immediate impact. At the same time, future-focused research is just as valuable. Things like tissue engineering, advanced neurotech, or new biomaterials may take years before they’re ready, but they build the foundation for the next big breakthroughs.

I think that it is hard to guess what long term research could lead to because you never know where your research is going to lead and what unknown discoveries, but it may lead to nothing. I agree that it is better for research to be focused on the now as it is more difficult to control what could happen in the future and there is a chance that the research does not actually get used. It seems to be better if the focus is the on as people can use the current research for another concept and add to the work. I would prefer if my work were continued by being continuously advanced and there is growth that is seen instead of my work being presented and then never mentioned after that. It can be beneficial to focus on the future too because then you can help to ease the struggles that may come later down the line, for example if there was more in-depth research completed on fighting disease in a creative new way, then if there is another epidemic we could possibly use the new method to fight the disease. Having a good basis can help to shorten the time that is needed to fight back on problems. There is really a benefit for there to be a separate sector between industry and academia as both are focusing on different concepts, and this helps to ensure that all the bases are covered. 

I would rather do research that contributes to helping the current generation. Doing research for future generations is also important. I would like to see the research I work on being used in the current generation. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing that you were able to help people. In my opinion, doing research for the current generation and doing research for future generations are equally important. The research we do for the current generation will be used in future generations regardless.

I believe that both sorts of research—industrial and academic—play important roles in progressing society, but I personally prefer research that serves the current generation. It's immensely motivating to know that your work has the potential to impact people's lives right now, whether through new technology, medical treatments, or answers to pressing issues like climate change or food poverty.
Nonetheless, I know that long-term academic study frequently builds the groundwork for such instant discoveries. Many of today's breakthroughs would not exist if basic research had not been conducted over decades. So, while I favor the immediacy of industry-driven research, I feel they are inextricably linked and equally necessary. Is anyone else conflicted between wanting to make an influence today and contributing to discoveries that may only be realized in the future? How do you decide which route is more significant for you?

Both industrial and academic research are vital, but they have quite distinct goals, which is why I think this is such an intriguing subject. Since it inspires me to see how my work directly affects people's lives, I personally like to conduct research that helps the current generation. Research in the sector is frequently focused on creating technologies, medications, or equipment that may be swiftly brought to market or clinical application. It's thrilling and gives the task more substance to know that my efforts might result in medical equipment being utilized in hospitals in a few years. However, this doesn't lessen the significance of academic research in my opinion. Many of the innovations that industry subsequently transforms into practical uses have their roots in academia. There wouldn't be as many chances for industry to develop without fundamental science and long-term research. However, rather than waiting decades for results, I would like to be on the side of research where I can see results being used sooner. Which is more fulfilling, in your opinion, building the groundwork for future discoveries or using that knowledge to produce something that physicians and patients can utilize immediately? And do you believe that one side is more important to the advancement of medicine, or are both equally important?

This is a really good and insightful question. Personally, I would want to do research that would help people now in the current generation. I personally want to work in industry to foster innovation and development. I agree with a lot of people that most of the products on the market are developed based on already existing ideas from previous ideas so I want my research to not only help this current generation but also an inspiration for the next. Research is long but very rewarding in my opinion. If you're really patient, your research can grow into something bigger long term. So in short, research is long and takes a lot of time but if you're patient, what might seem short term to you can turn into something long term and who knows, maybe your research will pay off and lead to bigger opportunities and inspire the next generation of biomedical engineers.

I think that both short and long term research have value. I believe that research that helps people right away is more beneficial. It allows the researchers to see how their work has improved people's lives. I think long term research is good for future break through because it lays down the basics. Researchers can address current issues and help both the present and future.

If we are talking on an individual basis on what I would rather do? I would rather work on an industry level that affects the current generation. For me personally, I think my skills and learning capability is geared towards that. I see a lot of students around me that are extremely bright and more capable in the innovation of new research that can help the future better than I can in my honest opinion. On top of that, even if I wanted to work in academia and do research, I feel as if I should work in the industry anyway to get the ins and outs of medical device development or whatever avenue I decide to put my skill towards (such as biomaterials or prosthetics). As to what do I think is more important? My first answer would be they are both important, but if I had to select one, I'd say industry towards the current generation. I think innovation can be bred from current projects.

Like many others in this thread, I also would personally prefer to be involved in research that would be used immediate future rather than far later into the future. I personally would like to see the work that I do have a clear and immediate impact rather than an uncertain importance that may or may not be realized far into the future. I do agree that research for the future is very important as others have said, it can lay down foundational knowledge for future more specific studies. Also, some studies that may not seem immediately useful at first can actually have immediate applications. Additionally, research for the future can be also very focused, which may amount to nothing but could also save some potential researcher in the future a lot of work as well as just broadening human knowledge. Ultimately while research for now feels more impactful and satisfying, researching for the future is at least just as valuable.  

That is a really interesting question because I think both types of research, industry and academia focused, fill critical but different roles. Personally, I lean toward research that benefits the current generation since I am motivated by being able to see my work translated into real-world applications and improving people’s lives right away. For example, in medical device development, designing a prototype that can quickly be tested in clinics feels impactful because the results are tangible and immediate. That said, I do not think long-term academic research should be undervalued. Many of the medical technologies we rely on today, such as MRI or implantable devices, came from years of academic research before they could be applied in industry. Without that long-term foundation, industry would not have anything to build on. I would say the most important type of research depends on the context. If there is an urgent need such as a pandemic or a critical shortage of a medical tool, short-term research that helps the current generation is vital. But for ongoing global challenges such as regenerative medicine or cancer treatment, long-term academic research is equally necessary. What do you guys think? How should researchers balance the need for quick, real-world impact with the importance of long-term discoveries?

If i were to pick only one option I would pick the results of my research to be applied right away to help the people of my generation, but that's not to say that others should follow my footsteps as I believe that our society should have both. Industry research often focuses on solving immediate problems like new devices or just improving existing technologies and that's what I plan on my future being. I prefer the idea of seeing the good that can come from research sooner rather than later because that way I can actually witness if it has done any good towards the people it effects. Now does the satisfaction of helping people in the moment outweigh the long term impact of discoveries that may benefit future generations, I am not sure. In the long term I suppose not, but I still prefer to see the good that comes of it in my generation.