The most transformative ideas in science are often met with skepticism when first introduced. A survey of Nobel prizes provides some samples of this phenomenon: the assertion that the bacterium Helicobacter pylori causes ulcers, the concept that infectious proteins called prions induce neurodegenerative disease, and the pioneering work that enabled mRNA-based therapies all faced stiff initial resistance. This opposition often translates directly into resource limitations, since peer evaluation is a major driver of success in the competition for funding.

As a result, projects with field-changing potential may be delayed or even derailed. A parallel dilemma confronts funders, who must decide how best to deploy their limited resources across proposals that vary widely in risk.

WPI addresses this problem by using data to predict transformative breakthroughs and identify other emerging research topics. On average, our approach detects signals of an upcoming breakthrough more than five years in advance of the publication(s) that announced the discovery itself, and up to thirty years before the work is recognized by a major prize.

WPI is currently seeking individual donors and established nonprofit partners working to advance biomedical research who are interested in piloting data-guided decision-making. Organizations or individuals interested in exploring potential collaborations or pilot programs are invited us to contact us below.

The nonprofit status of WPI is sponsored by the Federation of American Scientists (FAS). To support us, click the Donate button below to navigate to the FAS website, then choose “Fiscal Sponsorship Donation” in the “Donation Purpose” field. Be sure to name WPI as the project that should receive your support.