Key Takeaways
- Decentralized Science (DeSci) enables a more open and collaborative research environment. Data is readily available, and researchers are incentivized to share and collaborate through tokens and DAOs.
- DeSci breaks down barriers, promotes collaboration, and potentially accelerates scientific progress through open data, fair rewards, and global reach.
- For DeSci to reach its full potential, it must address data security, DAO governance, scalability, legal uncertainties, and the digital divide.
Blockchain technology has emerged as a revolutionary force, shaking the foundations of various industries. From cryptocurrencies and decentralized finance (DeFi) to non-fungible tokens (NFTs), every stride forward in technological innovation seems to widen the scope of possibilities.
Amid this disruptive wave, another Web3 use case has been quietly developing–one that holds immense potential and is now gradually emerging as a promising avenue for exploration.
This article delves into the realm of “Decentralized Science” (DeSci), an innovation that stands to reshape the landscape of scientific discovery and knowledge sharing.
The Current State Of Science
The state of modern science is currently facing significant challenges. On one hand, we are equipped with unprecedented access to a vast pool of information. However, there is a concerning issue involving substantial corporate interests that have managed to infiltrate the peer-review process, thereby distorting research outcomes and has the potential to sway the direction of scientific progress.
Interestingly, these issues draw parallels with the world of cryptocurrency as both domains share a common adversary: centralization. The problems arising from centralized control of research and funding mirror the challenges posed by centralized power, as seen in the questionable practices of various banks and governments worldwide.
Notably, the field of science is currently under siege. Fortunately, certain crypto projects are gearing up to confront this issue head-on. These projects recognize the need to combat the threats to the integrity of scientific research and promote a decentralized approach that fosters transparency, accountability, and progress.
What Is DeSci?
“DeSci,” an abbreviation for decentralized science, represents a pioneering initiative to enhance the scientific landscape by integrating cutting-edge Web3 technologies. These technologies include blockchains, smart contracts, and decentralized storage protocols.
As detailed on Ethereum.org, the essence of decentralized science involves a dynamic movement dedicated to establishing a communal infrastructure for activities such as funding, reviewing, accrediting, storing, and disseminating scientific insights. This movement is fundamentally driven by the pursuit of fairness and equity, harnessing the capabilities of the Web 3.0 stack.
In essence, DeSci can be distilled as the fusion of open-source science and blockchain empowerment.
Current Problems In Today’s Science
Coordination
When contemplating the intricacies of the scientific endeavor, it becomes evident that it is a colossal collaborative undertaking. This endeavor encompasses various facets such as research, experimentation, data collection, peer review, and securing funding. Many distinct stakeholders must harmonize their efforts to advance our understanding collectively through scientific exploration. However, like numerous other communities, the scientific community tends to operate within a predominantly centralized framework. Regrettably, this centralization exerts considerable influence over critical aspects, including funding allocation.
In many instances, control over the distribution of funds is concentrated within select centralized entities. This approach can inadvertently impede the equitable allocation of resources. Furthermore, funding organizations and affiliated institutions possess the authority to dictate collaboration opportunities, potentially constraining the breadth of partnerships that individuals can engage in within the scientific community.
Introducing Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (DAOs)
The concept of collaboration among scientists is not entirely new; platforms like GitHub have facilitated cooperation to an extent. However, the proposed paradigm takes this concept to the next level. Beyond merely publishing findings and collaborating on platforms, the idea involves the integration of financial custody, decision-making, and global data collaboration. Enter DAOs, or decentralized autonomous organizations, to solve the coordination dilemma.
A DAO is a decentralized autonomous organization that functions on a blockchain. Smart contracts empower participants to engage in collective decision-making through voting mechanisms. The blockchain, acting as an incorruptible arbiter, ensures the execution of choices.
Currently, DAOs are notably employed for treasury management. Imagine a DeFi application run by a DAO. When a proposal arises to allocate existing funds to a specific purpose, a proposal is submitted on the blockchain. Token holders participate in on-chain voting to determine fund allocation. This process is tamper-proof and decentralized.
Related: What Are Investment DAOs? How Do They Work?
Funding
The scientific community’s heavy reliance on research grants is a well-established norm. Upon investigating this topic, scientists often dedicate around half of their time to securing grants or dealing with grant-related matters for their projects.
If this scenario holds true, it becomes evident that scientists’ efficiency is substantially compromised. Consider the potential of this considerable chunk of time being reclaimed for pure scientific endeavors. Envision the progress achievable by harnessing the untapped capacity of bright minds globally. A mere 50% increase in productivity could yield an exponential ripple effect on overall progress, far beyond a simple twofold advancement.
The application and acquisition of grants, particularly from smaller and more restricted entities, often entail restrictive conditions. These strings attached can curtail collaborations and limit the scope of work. However, imagine a paradigm shift that reshapes these incentives, expanding collaboration possibilities. If barriers were lifted, converting the brightest minds could spark monumental advancements.
The key lies in reimagining the grant landscape, fundamentally altering how funding is obtained. We can unleash unparalleled potential by emancipating these funding channels from gatekeepers’ control. A transformative approach involves devising innovative methods to secure funding, circumventing traditional constraints, and shaping a new trajectory for scientific progress. This redefinition can reshape the scientific landscape on a grand scale.
Now, let’s consider this application to DAOs. As DAOs streamline financial decisions, they could revolutionize the scientific funding landscape. Funding could be automated, eliminating central control and enabling global coordination. Scientists worldwide could collaborate without restrictions, unburdened by gatekeepers or centralized intermediaries.
DeSci Crypto Projects
Evidently, a substantial use case underscores the importance of this concept. However, the landscape remains relatively sparse regarding active projects within this industry that have gained significant recognition. Nonetheless, some noteworthy initiatives have emerged, serving as pioneers within this domain. These early adopters are laying the groundwork and setting the precedent for what’s to come.
Gitcoin (GTC)
Gitcoin operates as a grants protocol that functions directly on the blockchain. Their mechanism is straightforward: you formulate a proposal seeking funding and make it available through their program. People can then financially support these endeavors by utilizing the platform.
LabDAO
LabDAO is a research organization designed to accelerate progress in computational life sciences. It operates a decentralized network of open-source computer labs.
Molecule
Molecule is a decentralized protocol for the biotech industry that is developing a Web3 marketplace for intellectual property (IP) related to research.
DeSci Foundation
The DeSci Foundation is a non-profit organization that supports the development of decentralized science by funding research, providing education, and advocating for policy change.
DeSci Labs
DeSci Labs is a Swiss software company building tools to grow open science through decentralized technologies.
Final Thoughts
Currently, DeSci is primarily in a conceptual stage, with many teams actively developing their protocols. It falls within the category of blockchain use cases that possess the potential to significantly improve our global landscape.
This represents a groundbreaking shift in the crypto paradigm, with the capacity to attract backing from previously untapped sources like prominent universities, pharmaceutical firms, energy corporations, and government grants. As these partnerships materialize over time, actual adoption will take shape.
