How Science Advances, “One Funeral at a Time”

What happens to a subfield of science when a superstar of that field passes away unexpectedly? Christian Fons-Rosen argues that new research activity in the sciences–and economics?– increases after the death of a superstar, as researchers take advantage of an opening to present their own, new ideas. Fons-Rosen points out that it was never easy for new ideas to become mainstream, and sees big data leveling the playground for researchers. He also talks about his research on the hidden world of Washington D.C.'s shadow lobbyists, who use loopholes to evade regulations by acting as lobbyists without registering as such. He adds that Europe is in the "Stone Age" regarding regulating lobbying activity, as registration is not required.