Disruptive research achievements in basic research are not only the core drivers of advancing new productivity but also an essential component of achieving high-level scientific and technological self-reliance and self-strengthening. These breakthroughs often serve as the cornerstone for groundbreaking discoveries and technological innovations that can transform industries and societies. In the context of scientific research, disruptive achievements are those that fundamentally alter existing paradigms, challenge conventional wisdom, and lead to paradigm shifts across various scientific fields. In this study, the focus is placed on the field of astronomy, where such research achievements have historically played a pivotal role in expanding the boundaries of human knowledge and shaping technological progress.

The research adopts a Grounded Theory approach, a qualitative research methodology that emphasizes the systematic collection and analysis of case data to develop theoretical insights grounded in empirical evidence. By examining a diverse set of case studies in the field of astronomy, the study seeks to uncover the underlying patterns and mechanisms that contribute to the generation of disruptive research achievements. The findings of this study suggest that the generation of disruptive research achievements is influenced by a combination of three primary dimensions: (1) the researchers themselves, (2) scientific research activities, and (3) the scientific research results. Each dimension includes multiple sub-factors that contribute to the overall process. Firstly, the dimension of researchers, as the core subject of scientific research, plays a decisive role in the production of disruptive research achievements. This dimension can be categorized into three main aspects: internal factors, environmental factors, and scientific research capabilities. Internal factors refer to those characteristics that reflect an individual's inherent traits and motivations, such as scientific interests, personality traits, and a broad range of interests. Environmental factors encompass the external conditions and influences that shape a researcher’s development, including family background, access to research platforms, and the influence of key mentors or collaborators. Scientific research capabilities, on the other hand, refer to the comprehensive qualities and skills that enable a researcher to conduct innovative work within their field, including formal education, early career recognition, engineering experience, leadership in projects, and strategic foresight. Researchers who are able to integrate interdisciplinary approaches and draw insights from various scientific domains are more likely to contribute to groundbreaking innovations that disrupt existing paradigms. Secondly, in the process of generating disruptive research achievements, various critical factors influence each stage of the research lifecycle, from the proposal of the project to its execution and eventual outcomes. During the project formulation phase, the selection of cutting-edge topics, the orientation of the research, and the integration of interdisciplinary approaches are key factors that shape the potential for groundbreaking discoveries. In the project implementation phase, factors such as clear research objectives, the composition of the research team, the availability of scientific instruments, and funding support play crucial roles in driving the production of disruptive results. Lastly, in the stage of achieving results, scientific collaboration and academic exchanges significantly influence the sharing and dissemination of research findings. Finally, many groundbreaking scientific discoveries arise from serendipity—unexpected observations or occurrences that were not initially anticipated. Serendipitous scientific discoveries, or "Serendipity," refer to phenomena that scientists stumble upon while investigating something else. In the case studies presented in this paper, serendipitous discoveries can be categorized into two types: first, chance encounters, such as the unexpected recording of neutrinos from a supernova during proton decay detection; and second, accidental results, such as unintended discovery of the radio signals from the center of the Milky Way while attempting to solve short-wave communication interference. These serendipitous discoveries, while often highly uncertain, can lead to disruptive research achievements with profound implications. The question of whether scientific policies can effectively plan for or cultivate such serendipitous findings remains an open topic for further exploration in the academic community.

Based on these findings, the paper offers several recommendations aimed at promoting the generation of disruptive research achievements. One key suggestion is to provide young researchers with more opportunities to engage with cutting-edge scientific endeavors from an early age. This could be achieved through dedicated programs that spark their interest in scientific research and cultivate the spirit of scientific inquiry. Additionally, fostering an environment where young scientists are given leadership roles, enabling them to develop critical skills in engineering practice and organizational leadership, is crucial for nurturing the next generation of innovators. Encouraging more scientific collaboration and academic exchange is another key recommendation. By promoting interdisciplinary research and facilitating the sharing of research outcomes, the scientific community can accelerate the development and dissemination of disruptive innovations.