Enhancing Transparency and Securing Research Data

Blockchainensures transparency and security of scientific data by storing all research data (including experimental results, research reports, and related information) on a distributed ledger. This data is immutable and cannot be deleted, reducing the risk of research fraud.

Open Data Storage : Platforms like IPFS (InterPlanetaryFile System) orArweavecan be used to store and share research data on theblockchainin a decentralized manner. This data is protected against manipulation while remaining easily accessible and shareable with other scientists.

Proof of Ownership : Research and scientific works can be recorded on theblockchainas tokens or immutable hashes, providing proof of intellectual property and timestamps for when the research was published.

Decentralized Funding andCrowdfundingfor Research

Blockchainand Web3 provide tools for community-driven funding throughcrowdfundingmodels or tokenization. Scientists can create research tokens or NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) to represent stakes in a research project and invite participation from investors or the community.

Crowdfunding : Research projects can raise funds through decentralized platforms like Molecule, DAO, or Fund3. Investors can directly fund the research they are interested in and receive rewards (usually tokens or shares in the research).

Example:

Problem : Fundamental research often does not yield immediate profits, prompting private donors and companies to focus on applied research instead.

DesciSolution : Blockchain-based funding and collaboration models enablecrowdfundingfor basic scientific research. Researchers can use tokens (digital currencies) to secure funding and incentivize investors to participate in long-term research without relying on short-term economic benefits.

Smart Contracts : Smart contracts are a core technology in theblockchainecosystem, particularly in applications likeDesci. These are automated programs that execute contract terms when predefined conditions are met. InDesci, smart contracts can automate research processes, funding, and scientific publishing,enhancingtransparency, reducing costs, and saving time.

Example: A smart contract could automatically disburse funding upon achieving specific milestones in a research project, reducing third-party involvement and improving transparency in fund distribution.

Basic Illustration : In a sales contract, if a seller ships goods to a buyer, the contract automatically releases payment to the seller. If not, the contract does not execute. This mechanism reduces the need for intermediaries and protects the interests of all parties involved.

Summary of the Benefits of Smart Contracts inDesci

Transparency and Fairness :All conditions and agreements are recorded on theblockchain, ensuring transparency and preventing fraud.

Cost and Time Efficiency:Smart contracts eliminate the need for intermediaries like funding organizations, publishing agencies, or legal advisors, significantly reducing costs and saving time.

Process Automation:Funding, publishing, and research sharing processes are automated, enhancing speed and efficiency.

Encouraging Participation : Communities and investors can directly engage in research decisions and earn rewards upon successful project completion.

Addressing Challenges in Accessing and Sharing Scientific Data

The Problem : Research data is often locked behind paid databases or restricted to subscription-based journals, creating barriers to access and reuse.

Desci'sSolution : Develop decentralized platforms where scientific data and publications are shared freely and openly (open access). Researchers can upload, share, and access materials without worrying about costs or permissions.

Improving Reproducibility and Research Recognition

The Problem : A significant challenge in science is the reproducibility of research results. The lack of tools and mechanisms to verify findings has caused a "reproducibility crisis" in science.

Desci'sSolution : Use decentralized platforms and tools to share and verify datasets and research results.Researchers can collaboratively validate findings and publicly acknowledge contributions.Blockchainensures an immutable "trail" for all research outcomes and modifications, making reproduction reliable and straightforward.

3.Key Components ofDesci(Decentralized Science)

Desci(Decentralized Science) is based on key elements that help build a decentralized scientific ecosystem, where data, research, and resources can be shared, verified, and funded transparently and equitably. These components not only focus on technology but also include structural, economic, and community-related aspects of science. Here are the main components ofDesci:

Blockchainand Smart Contracts

Blockchainserves as the primary platform forDesci’sdecentralized activities, enabling transparent and immutable storage of scientific works, research data, and results.

Smart Contractson theblockchainautomate processes such as funding distribution and scientific transactions (e.g., data sharing or research result recognition), eliminating the need for intermediaries and streamlining scientific procedures.

Decentralized Finance (DeFi) and Scientific Tokens

DeFiinDesciallows for the mobilization of funds and distribution of research resources viacrowdfundingmodels or decentralized funding systems.

Scientific Tokenscan be used to incentivize and reward researchers, donors, and community members who contribute to scientific projects. These tokens can represent ownership, access rights, or rewards for contributions to the scientific ecosystem.

Open Data and Decentralized Storage

Open Datais a critical element ofDesci, where sharing research data without barriers like costs or access restrictions enhances reproducibility and expands scientific knowledge.

Decentralized Storagestores scientific data and works across multiple nodes (instead of a centralized server), increasing data resilience and security.

Open Peer Review Platforms

Open peer review systems leverage decentralized technologies to ensure transparency and fairness in the evaluation of scientific works. Researchers and experts can participate in the public review process, and the review results are stored on theblockchain.

The scientific community can directly contribute to improving research quality without the need for traditional publishers or centralized scientific organizations.