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Ranjeet Mudholkar is a leading EB1A expert & CEO of Next League Executive Board LLC, which helps professionals fulfill their American Dream.

In the vast and ever-evolving landscape of human endeavor, every innovative step forward is a testament to our collective spirit. The challenge of discerning "original contribution" in such a dynamic environment can be both profound and perplexing. To guide leaders, researchers and innovators through this labyrinth of innovation and creativity, I would like to present a framework I helped develop: The Mudholkar Mastery Matrix for Originality Assessment. This framework is designed to help companies emphasize and test for originality in order to ensure they are fostering and nurturing genuine innovation, not mere reiterations or repackaging of existing ideas.

For instance, in a corporate setting, the Matrix can help identify groundbreaking product ideas that can redefine market standards. In academia, it can help distinguish research that has the potential to shift paradigms. For talent-based immigration, such as with the EB1A Green Card (a.k.a. the "Einstein Visa"), it can help recognize works that define original contributions. I have found that such discernment can ultimately save resources, time and efforts within a company by directing them toward endeavors that have greater potential to make a lasting impact.

The Essence Of The Matrix And Its Tests

The genesis of the Mudholkar Mastery Matrix is rooted in a comprehensive study of various assessment tools across industries. Over five years, I collaborated with experts from academia, business, talent-based immigration petitions and policy-making sectors. Feedback from these experts, combined with rigorous testing across diverse fields, shaped the Matrix's design. It underwent evaluations in over 100 projects, ranging from academic research and talent-based immigration to finance and awards. The iterative process of design, feedback and refinement led to the creation of this tool.

The Mudholkar Mastery Matrix is more than just a tool, however; it is a harmonious framework that can help companies discern the originality of a contribution by examining and weaving together five distinct threads. Each thread, or test, evaluates a different, unique aspect of originality in order to help ensure that the contribution in question receives a holistic and comprehensive assessment.

1. Knowledge Spectrum

The Knowledge Spectrum encapsulates the progression through learning's continuum. This progression starts with Data (raw facts), then proceeds through Information (structured data with context), Skill (practical application of information), and Knowledge (comprehension of underlying principles and answering the question of "Why.") Wisdom stands at the apex of this continuum as the judicious application of Knowledge. Contributions in the Knowledge Spectrum are distinguished by their ability to reflect deep understanding rather than mere data or information aggregation. They not only demonstrate "how" to apply skills but also offer insights into "why" these applications matter, paving the way toward wisdom.

2. Scientific Foundation

Every genuine contribution should either be anchored firmly in the bedrock of established theory or science, or its creation should be founded on the principles of the Scientific Method to confirm its credibility and suitable evidence standards.

3. Autonomous Value

True achievements have a voice of their own. They should be replicable and able to continue having an impact even after they leave the constant guiding hand of their contributor, demonstrating their timeless and autonomous value.

4. Expansive Impact

An original exploration naturally extends its impact, much like a pebble creating ripples in a vast lake. It begins with a specific idea or action for a purpose and continues reverberating, reaching far beyond its initial boundaries and thus demonstrating its universal relevance. This is the hallmark of a true undertaking's authenticity—it possesses a self-sustaining value that propels its continuous influence far beyond.

While Autonomous Value implies sustaining without the contributor's presence, Expansive Impact marks whether the contribution's reach extends beyond one's field.

5. Documented Evolution

Sir Isaac Newton, in a 1675 letter to Robert Hooke, humbly stated, “If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.” This suggests that successes are built upon the foundational work of the great works that came before.

The idea that history should be able to trace the origin of a given work suggests that original work, no matter how innovative, typically builds upon previous knowledge, discoveries or creations. In practical terms, documented evolution could look like a series of dated entries, design sketches and experiment results that show the gradual development of the work. This provides context into how the work has been shaped and refined over time, establishing that the contribution is recognized as a continuation and evolution of existing knowledge.

Guidelines For Adoption

The Mudholkar Mastery Matrix is a framework designed to assess and foster innovation within any organization. Here's how to implement it effectively.

• Panel Assembly: Form a diverse panel of members with varied expertise relevant to the projects being assessed.

• Understanding The Framework: The panel should familiarize themselves with the Matrix’s five tests, which measure different dimensions of originality and feasibility.

• Individual Evaluation: Panel members independently evaluate project proposals using the Matrix to provide objective scores based on predefined criteria.

• Collaborative Review: For proposals with ambiguous scores, panel discussions help achieve consensus by referencing the Matrix’s parameters.

• Ongoing Validation: Projects that receive funding are reviewed periodically using the Matrix to ensure they continue to meet their originality and impact goals.

Based on my experiences, this approach can ultimately help organizations identify and support initiatives that deliver genuine innovation and lasting value.

Limitations And Judicious Application

While robust, the Matrix has some limitations to acknowledge, such as with radical shifts, avant-garde art and cultural relativism. For instance, avant-garde art often challenges norms, so its originality may only be recognized later when it becomes mainstream. Similarly, originality is perceived differently across cultures—"groundbreaking" in one community may be "commonplace" in another. So, the Matrix should be applied judiciously in contexts involving radical art forms or cultural nuances, with customization as needed. Barring these exceptions, I have found that the tests, when applied as intended, can provide a versatile framework to assess originality in a wide range of endeavors.

Conclusion

The Mudholkar Mastery Matrix for Originality Assessment can be an effective format for evaluating originality across domains. By embracing and implementing this Matrix, I believe you can help encourage the growth and success of the pioneers and innovators within your company.

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In partnership with the Telluride Venture Network, this workshop series brought two-day short courses throughout five years to the people of Telluride and surrounding communities. The workshop series impacted over 100 entrepreneurs in rural Southwest Colorado.

There are 2 groups in this study. The researchers need about 200 people to take part in both groups.

People with oesophageal squamous dysplasia or a high risk of having it
You have the Cytosponge test on the same day as the endoscopy.

The study team asks you some questions about your general health and lifestyle as well as measuring your weight and height. Then you have the Cytosponge test. 

You swallow a small capsule with a drink of water. The capsule contains a sponge, covered in gelatine, which is attached to a string.

After 7 minutes, the gelatine dissolves and the sponge can be gently removed by pulling on the string. You may have a spray to numb your throat (anaesthetic) before pulling out if needed.

As the sponge is pulled up and out of your mouth, it collects cells from the lining of your oesophagus, which can then be studied in the laboratory.  

At the end of the Cytosponge test, you complete a questionnaire. It asks about your feelings during the test.

Then, you have an endoscopy.    

During the endoscopy, as well as taking standard biopsies, the study doctor will take some extra tissue. This is to look for biomarkers to see why some people are more at risk of oesophageal cancer than others.

You also have some extra blood tests. Researchers want to see if people with squamous dysplasia have special markers (DNA) in their bloodstream.

Doctors will ask you to have a blood test each time you attend for follow up. You do not have to agree to have these tests done every time if you don’t want to. You can still take part in the study.

Depending on the results, you may have more endoscopies in the future. The study steam may also ask you to have the Cytosponge test again.  

People with oesophageal SCC
You have any tests, investigations and treatment as normal. As part of this study the researchers will ask you to have extra blood tests and biopsies.

The blood tests and biopsies are taken at set times. The study team can give you more information on how often you have them.

They will look for DNA in your blood and tissue samples to see if it is possible to get DNA from the cancer in the blood (this is called circulating tumour DNA).

Researchers will use the results of the tests to develop a new way of working out how advanced oesophageal cancer is (cancer stage). They think this will give doctors more information about the likely outcome (prognosis) of the cancer than the system used at the moment.  

Medical records
The team will ask you for permission to look at your medical records after you finish the study and for up to 10 years. They want to find out how you are and if your health changes over time.

Only people involved in this research will look at your records.

The study team will also ask you for contact details. They might contact you in the future to see how you are and to let you know about other clinical trials you might be interested in.

Your keys aren't in the spot you thought you left them? Can't recall the title of a book? I've had those moments.

Amid our busy lives, distraction or fatigue may explain our forgetfulness. But instances of "brain freeze" make me realize I want to do everything in my power to keep my brain sharp.

There's plenty of evidence that exercise can help protect our bodies and brains. And as we age, daily movement doesn't need to be super intense. In fact, a new study finds tai chi, a slow-moving form of martial arts, can help slow cognitive decline and protect against dementia.

The study included about 300 older adults, in their mid-70s on average, who had all reported that their memory was not as good as it used to be.

As part of the study, all the participants took a 10-minute test, called the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, to gauge cognitive function. A normal score is 26-30. A person who scores between 18 and 25 is considered to have mild impairment, which means they don't have dementia but they're not as sharp as they used to be and may need to work harder to maintain everyday activities. The average score of participants at the start of the study was 25.

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The study found that people who practiced a simplified form of tai chi called Tai Ji Quan twice a week for about six months improved their score by 1.5 points. This increase may not sound like a lot, but study author Dr. Elizabeth Eckstrom says "you've basically given yourself three extra years" of staving off decline. The study is published in Annals of Internal Medicine.

A person with mild cognitive decline can expect to lose, on average, about a half point each year on the test, and once their score drops under 18, people experience quite a bit of impairment from memory loss and cognitive decline, Eckstrom explains.

So, based on these results, "if you're able to keep doing [tai chi] two or three days a week on a routine basis, you're going to get extra years before you hit that decline into dementia," she says.

Eckstrom and her collaborators also tested a more rigorous type of tai chi, called Cognitively Enhanced Tai Ji Quan, where they layered on extra challenges. For example, participants were asked to spell a word, backward and forward, as they moved through a series of tai chi moves.

"You're really forcing your brain to think hard while you're also doing the fluid mind-body movements," Eckstrom explains.

The people who practice this type of cognitively enhanced tai chi improved their scores by about 3 points. "We've just given you six extra years of cognitive function," she says. "That's a lot."

Her theory on why tai chi is effective is that it combines the memorization of the movements, known as forms, almost like a dance choreography. "So, you're getting the physical activity, plus the memory piece," she says.

Dr. Joseph Quinn, a neurologist at Oregon Health & Science University, who was not involved in the study, says the results fit with a body of evidence, including ameta-analysis, showing the benefits of tai chi. "This has fascinated me," Quinn says, because the results are impressive, but "honestly, I don't understand why it works so well."

The benefits of cardiovascular workouts, which help protect the heart and the brain, are better understood, he says. But tai chi isn't much of an aerobic workout, so he says perhaps the meditative component has a stress reduction effect that helps explain the other benefits.

"It becomes a meditative practice," says Mary Beth Van Cleave, 86, who lives in a retirement community with her wife and their cat in the Portland, Ore., area. She started tai chi at age 75 and says her practice helps her feel grounded and enables her to let go of stress. "It's become an important part of my life," Van Cleave says.

In terms of a cognitive boost, she thinks tai chi helps with concentration. "I'm more conscious of trying to do one thing at a time," she says.

One limitation of the study is that most of the participants were non-Hispanic white and about two-thirds had college degrees. It's hard to know whether the benefits would hold up for the broader population. A study published last year found there's a disproportionate burden of cognitive impairment and dementia among Black and Hispanic populations in the U.S., and among people with less education. Researchers say they'd like to see efforts to make tai chi more accessible given the benefits, and given that by age 65, about 1 in 5 people has mild cognitive impairment.

If you've never done tai chi, which is a martial art that incorporates a series of movements, known as forms, with a focus on controlled breathing, too, it may look like nothing much is happening. But that's a misconception, Van Cleave says. "We are working very hard, " she explains. And, she says, the physical benefits are pronounced.

"There are so many times I've avoided a fall," she says. "That's because of the balance that tai chi gives me."

Many studies have shown that practicing tai chi can help prevent falls and Improve balancein older adults, and the benefit is greatest for people who keep up a regular practice over time.

This story was edited by Jane Greenhalgh

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