The Nature Science journal recently published an editorial in its Nature Biosciences section highlighting decentralization as a revolutionary new way in which researchers working in underfunded scientific fields can create communities around their research and raise funding. He praised the use of Type Autonomous Organizations (DAOs). You can not use it.
In a DAO-based research scheme, project organization, funding, feedback, and discovery-to-product/industry pipeline can all be handled by the same decentralized governing body.
According to the Nature article, general workflows will also be streamlined compared to the current state.
“Project proposals are submitted to the DAO, and each DAO member can vote on whether a particular project should be funded. Members can earn tokens to provide support and feedback on new project proposals. Research results will also be provided to the DAO as the project continues, leading to further feedback and engagement. Eventually, the project will (hopefully) create an IP-NFT (Non-Fungible Token of Intellectual Property) , so it will be like a patent owned by the DAO and controlled by all token holders.”
Funding varies widely depending on scientific research. In booms and busts, research in areas such as AI and quantum computing can receive huge benefits from big tech companies, governments, and subsequent investors, while research in areas such as longevity Sectors that may have been well-funded or have been funded for a long time could benefit greatly. For example, traditionally underfunded women’s health issues may find it increasingly difficult to secure funding.
DAO is built on blockchain technology. This allows them to function on a transparent and decentralized digital ledger. This means that it is not controlled by a single organization or agency. In the world of science, this means being able to democratize project funding and community interaction.
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Traditionally, scientists who work at or are working at the most prestigious institutions, such as major universities, government agencies and contractors, large technology companies and large pharmaceutical companies, in countries with high GDP , not only receive the most funds, but also have access to the most potential funds.
This distinction is important because scientists leave geographic regions with less funding to pursue research in wealthier regions, further exacerbating the “brain drain” that accompanies migration.
Additionally, DAOs do not necessarily have to respect national borders (although the legalities surrounding their operations may vary from place to place), so they are based on the needs and needs of the scientists conducting the research, rather than the country, university, or sponsoring company. You can manage it according to your wishes. that.
Ultimately, the Nature editorial staff concludes that DAOs have the potential to be an important platform for underfunded researchers, but that further education is required before adoption.
“Part of this challenge is ensuring potential members understand that DAO is not just a funding organization, but also a community of people with a strong interest in supporting specific scientific objectives.” wrote the staff.