Discovery 5.0: Human-Centric, Sustainable and Resilient Research for a Micro-Photonics Age

Discovery 5.0 heralds a human-centric, sustainable, and resilient research paradigm, mirroring Industry 5.0's transformation of manufacturing. It reimagines laboratory practice as a circular, stakeholder-driven ecosystem valuing social benefit and planetary boundaries alongside scientific novelty. This is illustrated by fiber-optic MEMS sensors quantifying neuroimmune pain signatures, with a planned bidirectional translation from human to animal health and back. This fit-for-purpose design, fostered by networked communities and enabled by digital twins, creates publicly trusted, personalized health technologies. As open scorecards redefine impact, success will belong to research that maximizes human benefit, safeguards the planet, and bolsters system resilience.