The articles below, listed in no particular order, have shaped my thinking on the process of science.

Thinking about Mechanisms by Machamer and colleagues. This piece provides a lucid description of what mechanisms, in the biological sense, are. It is a useful framework for understanding biology at different levels of organization.

Problem Choice and Decision Trees in Science and Engineering by Michael A. Fischbach. Here, Fischbach highlights a major issue among scientists and engineers: we spend too little time figuring out what problems to work on. He also discusses ways to think strategically throughout a project's lifetime.

The Making of a Scientist by Hans A. Krebs. In this article, Krebs discusses the ingredients needed to create excellent scientists. He emphasizes the importance of mentorship, colleagues, and uninterupted time to think and experiment.

Common Pitfalls in Preclinical Cancer Target Validation by William G. Kaelin. This is the instruction manual for how to design incisive, causal experiments.

"Antedisciplinary" Science by Sean R. Eddy. This is an entertaining read that defends the creativity of individuals against the organizational strictures that scientists face within large, interdisciplinary teams. Eddy advocates for an approach to science that, rather than reaffirming disciplinary boundaries, chooses not to acknowledge them in order to create something new.