Independent scientist

The term "gentleman scientist" arose in post-Renaissance Europe,[1] but became less common in the 20th century as government and private funding increased.

Self-funded scientists practiced more commonly from the Renaissance until the late 19th century, including the Victorian era, especially in England, before large-scale government and corporate funding was available.

Modern-day independent scientists who fund their own research on an independent basis include, for example, Stephen Wolfram who funds his research through the sale of Mathematica software, Julian Barbour, Aubrey de Grey, Barrington Moore, Susan Blackmore,[2] James Lovelock,[2] and John Wilkinson who funds his research on "molecular synergism in nature" by running a regulatory scientific consultancy in natural products.

Independent scientists may have past careers as funded scientists, cooperate with funded colleagues, obtain partial equipment-only grants, or choose directions where the most expensive resource required is the researcher's time.

Scientists may choose to work on unusual projects with a high risk of failure also when the grant system does not fund them.