Science is the deeply socially shaped undertaking of not simply accepting the world, but imagining that it could also be different. Science is carried by the joy of playing with uncertainty, which tempts us to venture into as yet unknown territory. About the joy of discovering something you don't know yet. Every scientific discovery is always a discovery of one's own gaze, as Helga Nowotny proves in her memoirs with undaunted openness. From her beginnings in science studies and technology science, where she faced bureaucratic hurdles in a male-dominated field, to her influential role in shaping the European Research Council, her work has always interacted with her personal experiences and imprints, in short, her life. In her science memoir, Helga Nowotny, with insatiable curiosity, foresight and wisdom, gives her insights a brilliant expression that gives courage: courage to think against the grain, courage to rebel competently. Biography Helga Nowotny is Professor Emeritus of Science Studies at ETH Zurich and former director of the Collegium Helveticum. She is Chair of EURAB, the European Research Advisory Board of the European Union, and Founding Director of Society in Science: The Branco Weiss Fellowship. New product