Tanahub.com — Amid the rapid advancement of blockchain technology, new innovations keep emerging. One concept that is gaining attention is Decentralized Science, commonly abbreviated as DeSci. As its name suggests, this concept brings the spirit of decentralization to the world of science—a realm traditionally bound by hierarchy, bureaucracy, and often lacking transparency.
DeSci isn’t just a buzzword among tech enthusiasts but offers concrete solutions to challenges faced in the research world. Leveraging blockchain, DeSci aims to revolutionize how science is managed and funded while opening wider doors for inclusive global collaboration.
So, what is DeSci exactly? And how does it work within the crypto ecosystem? Let’s explore further.
What is DeSci?
Decentralized Science, or DeSci, is a new approach to managing and funding scientific research using blockchain technology. In the traditional model, research is often tied to institutions like universities or large corporations, with limited funding access and cumbersome bureaucracy. DeSci seeks to disrupt this pattern by offering an open, transparent, and inclusive platform.
Under the DeSci umbrella, researchers, funders, and even the general public can interact directly without intermediaries. Every process, from fundraising to publishing results, is conducted on the blockchain. This ensures that all steps are traceable, decentralized, and free from control by any single entity.
What makes DeSci unique is its focus on empowering the scientific community. In this system, researchers can directly seek funding from individuals or organizations through blockchain-based platforms. There’s no longer a dependence on complex institutional grants or large sponsors’ agendas. Instead, anyone who values the research’s importance can contribute, whether through funds or ideas.
Additionally, DeSci enables research results to be stored permanently on the blockchain. Publications, which were often hidden behind expensive paywalls, can now be accessed by anyone, anytime. This creates significant opportunities to accelerate innovation, especially in critical fields like healthcare, renewable energy, or food technology.
How Does It Work?
To understand how DeSci works, it’s essential to recognize the role of blockchain technology as its foundation. Blockchain, known for its transparency and security, provides the perfect infrastructure for managing data and transactions in the scientific ecosystem. In DeSci, all activities—from fundraising to publishing results—occur via blockchain-based platforms utilizing smart contracts.
- Proposal Submission
Researchers or research teams create proposals detailing their objectives, methodologies, and potential impacts. These proposals are uploaded to DeSci platforms for the community to view, evaluate, and support. - Funding
DeSci funding is conducted directly through blockchain-based crowdfunding systems. Supporters contribute by purchasing tokens or NFTs until the research is complete or reaches specific milestones. Smart contracts ensure funds are used appropriately, releasing them only when verified goals are achieved. - Research Progress Monitoring
During the research process, funders and the community can track progress through reports stored on the blockchain. This transparency ensures the project stays on track and minimizes fund misuse. - Publishing Results
When the research is complete, findings are published directly on the blockchain. Unlike traditional systems that rely on paywalled journals, publications in DeSci are open to everyone. Tokenization allows researchers to reward supporters, either through recognition or profit-sharing if the research generates future income.
Project Examples
DeSci offers fresh perspectives in science, bringing a more inclusive, transparent, and efficient approach. Integrating decentralization principles into the research process opens wider opportunities for global innovation.
BIO Protocol
Focused on developing Biotech Decentralized Autonomous Organizations (BioDAOs), BIO Protocol allows scientists, investors, and patients to co-fund, develop, and own research outcomes, especially in areas like rare diseases, mental health, and longevity studies. Backed by Binance Labs, it manages eight BioDAOs with a $200 million market cap as of November 2023. Key affiliations include Molecule DAO and the use of IP-NFTs to manage intellectual property rights.
VitaDAO
Launched in 2021, VitaDAO funds biotechnology research aimed at extending human longevity. Using the $VITA token, community members can contribute to and support research projects. It utilizes IP-NFTs to manage intellectual property and has secured major funding, including from Pfizer Ventures.
ResearchHub
Founded in 2020, ResearchHub accelerates scientific progress through Web3-based approaches, emphasizing collaboration, knowledge sharing, and contributor rewards via ResearchCoin (RSC). The platform organizes information by scientific fields, facilitating easier access to research.
GenomesDAO
This project securely stores and monetizes personal genome data using blockchain, giving users full control. GenomesDAO utilizes the $GENE token to enable ethical and private use of genetic data for research and drug development.
Rifampicin
An experimental DeSci project launched in September 2024, Rifampicin focuses on research into this key antibiotic for treating tuberculosis (TB) and leprosy, exploring its potential against resistant bacterial infections and non-infectious diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Urolithin A
This experimental project studies the compound’s potential in promoting healthy aging by enhancing mitochondrial function. Research suggests benefits for muscle health, brain protection, and overall cellular vitality.
DeSci exemplifies how blockchain technology can empower scientific research, enabling a more equitable and transparent future for innovation.