At first glance, “Science: Trust the Process” might seem like a simple phrase—but that’s exactly why we chose it. It captures the heart of what science really is, in a way that feels modern, relatable, and a little bit unexpected. Science isn’t just a collection of facts or formulas—it’s a way of thinking. And more than anything else, just like the Philadelphia 76ers, it’s about the process.
In classrooms and beyond, it’s easy to fall into the trap of treating science like a set of right answers. But real science doesn’t work that way. Experiments don’t always go as planned. Results can be messy, confusing, or even contradictory. And that’s the point. Progress in science comes from testing ideas, learning from mistakes, and refining our understanding over time. “Trust the process” is a reminder that even when things don’t work perfectly, you’re still doing science the right way.
The phrase itself borrows from a mindset people already recognize—whether from sports, training, or personal growth. It’s about consistency, patience, and believing that effort pays off over time. Applying that idea to science makes it feel more human. It reminds students (and all of us) that uncertainty isn’t something to avoid—it’s something to work through.
The “Est. 1667” adds another layer to the design. While humans have been exploring and questioning the world for thousands of years, the 1600s marked a major shift in how science was practiced. During this period—often referred to as the Scientific Revolution—thinkers began emphasizing observation, experimentation, and evidence over tradition or authority. It’s when science started to look more like the process we recognize today.
Around this time, institutions like the Royal Society were helping formalize how scientific ideas were shared and tested. The focus shifted toward repeatable experiments, peer review, and building knowledge collectively. Influential figures like Francis Bacon and Isaac Newton helped shape the idea that understanding the world requires a structured, evidence-based approach.
So why 1667 specifically? It’s not meant to mark the exact “birth” of science, but rather to represent that era when the scientific method became more clearly defined and widely adopted. It gives the design a historical anchor while still keeping things simple and clean. It also opens the door to conversations—because if someone asks about the date, that’s an opportunity to talk about how science evolved into what it is today.
In the end, this shirt is about more than just a clever slogan. It’s about celebrating a mindset. Science isn’t perfect, and it’s never finished—but that’s what makes it powerful. Every question, every failed experiment, and every new discovery is part of a process that’s been unfolding for centuries.
And that’s something worth trusting.