Structure elucidation and ion sensors are, at first glance, rather different fields. That I had the opportunity to work in both was the result of coincidence, fate, and curiosity. Living in these two scientific worlds has been both challenging and deeply fascinating.

This lecture offers a personal perspective on developments in structure elucidation and ion sensing, illustrated by selected research paths and anecdotes. Over the decades covered, the progress of techniques, tools, and theory has been remarkable.

At the same time, changes in the broader environment of science and teaching have not always been positive. The talk examines current trends in science governance, including metric-based evaluation and expanding bureaucracy, and their consequences for creativity, teaching, and long-term innovation. Scientific creativity requires freedom, intellectual flexibility, and a solid grounding in fundamental knowledge.