stand on (someone's) shoulders

To make discoveries, insights, or progress due to the discoveries or previous work of those who have come before. Though this is indeed an exciting discovery toward curing cancer, we are standing on countless scientists' shoulders to be at this point today. We're here to honor those who fought for our civil rights. Though it was many years ago, we still stand on their shoulders today.

stand on someone's shoulders

benefit from the previous experience of (a predecessor in your field).