This summer I had the good fortune to attend a Gordon Research Conference on biomineralization — the way organisms create minerals and turn them into functional structures. The small size of the meeting and its ‘off-the-record’ policy promoted openness. And the interplay between junior and senior scientists — aided by group dining, multiple poster sessions and a few cold beverages at the end of the day — all but guaranteed frank discussions.

I was excited by the chance to meet successful colleagues from different backgrounds. From industry to academia, from conservative to fringe, no two successful researchers were obviously alike. Some junior attendees noted this wide diversity and wondered what could be the common denominator for success.

One reasonable candidate emerged: tenacity. None of these people seemed the kind that give up easily. My few years in research have not resulted in any easy successes. I can only imagine the number of failures that must be overcome during decades of dedicated effort. I have returned to the lab with new friends, inspiring stories, and a fresh relationship with my veritable forest of failures. I am excited to forge ahead until I too meet with some scientific success.