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Editorial


Nature Photonics 2, 123 (2008)
doi:10.1038/nphoton.2008.06

The importance of curiosity


Research in photonics often yields considerable commercial opportunities. However, basic research that has no obvious near-term applications is also vital for the field's evolution.


Much photonics research has a strong and clear link to applications, but it should never be forgotten that the study of light is also a fundamental science. Basic research is vital to the evolution of the field and as such needs to be supported.