1 Département de Sciences Biologiques, Complexe des Sciences, Université de Montréal, 1375 Avenue Thérèse-Lavoie-Roux, Montréal, (QC) H2V 0B3, Canada.
2 Department of Biology Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal, (QC), H4B 1R6, Canada. Electronic address: pedro.peres-neto@concordia.ca.

Conceptual advances and validation are critical to research, yet at odds. Using a game theoretical perspective, we show that a mixed strategy combining advances and validation, leads to increases in both individual researchers' and societal gains. This win-win outcome can be used to design new research strategies, funding, and recognition standards.