Decentralized Science (DeSci) is rapidly becoming the new frontier of this transformation, leveraging blockchain technology to reinvent the old paradigms of scientific research. DeSci seeks to disrupt the existing processes and structures of how science is conducted by solving traditional research challenges and promoting inclusiveness. Similar to the trajectory of Decentralized Finance (DeFi), DeSci has many interesting use cases that are not just relegated to financial purposes and NFTs. If successful, this novel experiment could become a model for transforming science and the way it is funded, with greater efficiency and more inclusive engagement.
DeSci is completely autonomous from the Brazilian National Data Protection Authority. Just last month, the authority issued an order to shut down Tools for Humanity’s operations in the country.
DeSci: A New Paradigm for Scientific Research
DeSci uses blockchain technology to address problems that are widespread in the science ecosystem. This includes funding, data access, and reproducibility. Through the implementation of blockchain technology, DeSci strives to create a more transparent, efficient, and collaborative scientific process.
DeSci adds a new standard practice found in most other research fields, making sure that projects are thoroughly documented and easily accessed. This standardization further ensures improved collaboration and reproducibility of critical scientific findings. Most importantly, to advance the discovery and innovation at a pace that improves our world.
"As researchers and institutions see the benefits of blockchain—like better reproducibility, easier access to funding, and improved knowledge sharing—adoption will likely speed up. If DeSci follows the path of DeFi, it could change how science is done and funded, making it more inclusive and efficient." - Tangem, Creator of Cold Crypto Wallets
Key Projects in the DeSci Space
A few projects are paving the way in the DeSci movement. Each one provides astonishingly creative ways to overcome the challenges of working in science. Bio Protocol, ResearchHub, and VitaDAO are just three recent examples of how DeSci principles are being put to work in practice. These platforms and initiatives showcase blockchain’s potential to radically shift how research is funded, produced, and disseminated.
Bio Protocol has multiple funding mechanisms for contributors to help fund projects. This bottom-up, decentralized approach to funding makes it possible to allocate resources in a more direct and transparent way. It makes sure that innovative, transformative research gets the financial support it deserves to flourish.
ResearchHub gives any user the ability to freely read, cite, and discuss scientific literature, as well as publish their own research. This open-access model democratizes scientific knowledge, making it usable and accessible to a broader, more diverse audience. By eliminating paywalls and subscription barriers, ResearchHub further enables collaboration and knowledge sharing, crucial factors in the scientific community.
VitaDAO: A Case Study in Decentralized Research
VitaDAO is a Decentralized Autonomous Organization (DAO) funding research on healthy aging and longevity. It represents a blueprint for how DeSci can spur innovation in niche scientific fields. VitaDAO allows its community to vote to approve projects, ensuring that research is aligned with the collective interests of its members.
VitaDAO operates through its platform, accessible at https://www.vitadao.com/, and utilizes its token, $VITA. The $VITA token is listed on CoinGecko at https://www.coingecko.com/en/coins/vitadao, providing transparency and liquidity for its community members. This framework gives researchers and stakeholders the opportunity to work together to be a better future for longevity research.
