This is far from the first experiment to produce an earth-shaking result that was later found to be a mistake. For example, in the 70's there was a fairly seri

This is far from the first experiment to produce an earth-shaking result that was later found to be a mistake. For example, in the 70's there was a fairly serious search for tachyons (faster than light particles) by many groups using a variety of means. It was thought that they might precede other particles and herald the onset of cosmic showers, so several groups set up scintillators to look for them. One found them and published, only to later find that their experiment was compromised by an error in circuitry. I wish I could recall the names involved, but it was probably not a good thing for the careers of those involved. The thing that most people don't understand about experimental physics is that surprises that upset theory are now very rare indeed. The theory makes predictions, and experiments almost always conform to those predictions. Experiments are still worth doing because, just as an untestable theory is worthless, so too is a theory that nobody bothers to try disproving. However, experiments are like rabbit holes that twist, turn, and branch, frequently leading to new realizations and insights. Often results seem to contradict theory, but the answer is usually some unaccounted for quirk that makes all the difference in the world. Sometimes finding those quirks is far more important than failing to disprove the theory being tested yet again. Particle physics is unusual because of the size, complexity, and cost of the experiments. Errors like the one at OPERA are inevitable. It's unfortunate that Ereditato felt he had to resign over this particular error. It's almost the exact opposite of the "too big to fail" effect in finance. Due to the size of the experiment and the media attention it garnered, any mistake was seen as evidence of incompetence. Scientists leading such massive projects as this are inevitably called on to commit seppuku to restore the faith (and funding) of the powers that be. It's fortunate that Ereditato found a good position afterwards, but it's a mistake to think OPERA is better off for it.