[abetusk]

I think this is a gross cultural misconception. Most scientists do their best work in their 30s and 40s. See [0].

My take on this is that it takes about a decade before experience, knowledge and wisdom can be used to see a bigger picture to make a breakthrough.

[0] https://priceonomics.com/at-what-age-does-genius-strike/

[mellosouls]

A useful link but note:

a) the curve indicates 30s not 40s

b) there is no breakdown into theoretical vs experimental research, or scientific field; theory I would expect to be over-represented at the younger end especially as the science discipline becomes "harder".

Overall I would say it lends credence to the idea physics is a young person's game at the very highest levels.

[abetusk]

a) the inflection point is in the high 30s. Further $\int_{40}^{50} f(x) dx > \int_{20}^{30} f(x) dx$.

b) true there is no breakdown but I would expect the exact opposite as fields get harder. More context requires more training and familiarity, which I would expect to increase age.

My point is that I think there's a bias in the field towards the youth narrative but the majority of discovery, even in physics, happens at a later age.

[kcexn]

I don't think there is a bias in the field towards a youth narrative. I think there is a bias in the media.

Nobody I've ever met would expect a breakthrough from a 20 something year old no matter how much of a genius they are. Communicating a breakthrough requires time, effort, and credibility to begin with, which nobody has at that age.

Your 30's are when you can start to really do great things. And then depending on the field you can kind of just keep going as long as you have the energy for it. But lots of people begin to wear out into their 40's (for lots of different reasons).

In terms of great breakthroughs. If you haven't had your great idea by 40. It's probably increasingly unlikely that you'll have one later in life (but not impossible). Not everyone needs to have a paradigm changing idea to have a successful career though.