Young people are probably the most valuable source of new discoveries in science.
They are usually more adventurous and unconventional and are willing to challenge old established 'truths'. Scientists are often in the early stages of their career when they formulate new ideas which later lead to paradigm shifts or a Nobel prize. Therefore, if we want to support creativity and progress in science, focus should be on young scientists. Their judgement and priorities are very often based on open calls and peer review evaluation committees which ostensibly appear to be independent and fair. The committees who take the decisions consist of experienced people of high merit which, by their very nature, means scientists from the older generation - another factor in the conventional approach to science.