Introduction

Science is the cornerstone of human progress, but slow processes, limited access to funding, and opaque practices often hinder innovation. Decentralized science (DeSci) has recently emerged as a potential competitor to the old order of science. DeSci uses the tenets of blockchain technology – decentralization, democratized access, and transparency – to open new doors for collaboration, funding, and discovery.

Freed from traditional institutions and gatekeepers, DeSci is transforming how research is conducted, shared, and funded. It's not just improving science: it's making it more open, efficient, and accessible. The COVID-19 pandemic showed the disconnect between science and the public’s perception of facts. Science should not have problems with individuals or the public when it’s brought down out of the ivory towers.

Can DeSci reshape science and restore lost trust?

What are the Challenges of Traditional Science?

One major issue with traditional science is accessibility. Scientific publishing is often controlled by for-profit journals. Scientists should focus on solving scientific problems, instead of on accessing journals behind paywalls. The centralized business of scientific publication is highly profitable, and is concentrated in the hands of a few companies. 

Interdisciplinary and inclusive research is often sidelined. Funding tends to be directed to established fields, leaving innovative or minority-led projects underfunded.

Transparency is also a concern. Allocation of research funding can lack accountability. The peer review process may lack complete transparency, leaving room for bias.

DeSci seeks to address these challenges by rethinking how science is organized and shared.

Principles and Values of DeSci

Here are some of the core principles that DeSci uses in the hope of creating a better scientific ecosystem:

• Transparency: Research data and findings should be accessible to everyone. Transparent processes build trust within the scientific community.
• Collaboration Across Disciplines: Solving complex problems requires teamwork. DeSci encourages researchers from different fields to collaborate. This breaks down silos and fosters innovation.

What are the Benefits of DeSci?

Decentralized Science (DeSci) offers numerous benefits that address the limitations of traditional scientific practices while opening new pathways for research and collaboration. Here are the key benefits:

• Crowdfunding – Blockchain has proven itself as a way of raising funds for unconventional projects that would not have otherwise seen the light of day. With DeSci, researchers can propose projects directly to the community, limiting the influence of major centralized organizations that bring their motives and agendas.
• Tokenization and Funding – DeSci enables the tokenization of research data, or intellectual property. Researchers and volunteers can receive direct compensation for their contributions, creating new funding models and incentives.
• Enhanced Data Security – Research data stored on decentralized ledgers is secure and immutable. This prevents data manipulation since blockchains are tamper-proof.
• Improved Science Communication – Science text is filled with jargon that the average Jane and Joe don’t understand. DeSci, together with AI, can create science summaries that promote understanding and trust. This could help to dispel science myths and dangerous science conspiracy theories. 

Is DeSci Gaining Traction?

DeSci is a relatively small sector in the crypto field. This is nothing to be ashamed of: other sectors such as DeFi, DePIN, and AI started this way. As of December 10, DeSci has a market cap of than $800 million spread across more than 40 projects.

DeSci is also enjoying the support of leading crypto figures and firms. Binance, through its venture arm Binance Labs, invested an undisclosed sum in Bio Protocol to accelerate decentralized science. This is a significant development, making it the next sector of crypto to grab headlines and gain public attention. In most cases, venture firms like to invest in projects or companies before they catch fire and explode.

Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao, better known as CZ, and Ethereum's Vitalik Buterin attended a small DeSci gathering organized by Labs in Bangkok. 

Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong co-founded ResearchCoin, a DeSci project. 

DeSci could be the next big thing as crypto leaders take small but bold steps in supporting decentralized science. It may not be a good idea to bet against it. 

DeSci is also integrating with emerging technology. The incorporation of AI and the Internet of Things (IoT) into DeSci enhances data input and analysis. 

Importantly, token-based incentives can go a long way in rewarding peer reviewers and contributors. This aspect of DeSci makes it more financially attractive than traditional science.

Top DeSci Projects

Here are four leading DeSci projects to be aware of:

ResearchCoin (RSC)

ResearchHub aims to accelerate scientific progress by creating a collaborative platform for researchers. This is similar to how GitHub is used for software development. Its token, ResearchCoin (RSC), incentivizes contributions like uploading research, peer reviews, and discussions. RSC can also be used to tip for content, reward tasks, and fund scientific projects.

Hippocrat (HPO)

Hippocrat (HPO) is a decentralized cryptocurrency revolutionizing healthcare by giving people control over their health data. Using blockchain and zero-knowledge-proof technologies, it ensures data privacy, security, and collaboration.

VitaDAO

VitaDAO is a community-owned DAO. Members collectively engage in decision-making about funding research on extending human lifespan and improving longevity. The aim is to foster collaboration in longevity science, and support drug development through decentralized, member-governed governance. 

Rejuve.AI (RJV)

Rejuve.AI, under the SingularityNET umbrella, is the first decentralized aging research network powered by AI. It aims to make longevity accessible for all by building a global wellness ecosystem centered around the RJV Token. Rejuve.AI incentivizes secure health data sharing, allowing individuals to harness their data's earning potential via blockchain and smart contracts. Through gamification and microlearning, their Rejuve Longevity App engages users and encourages them to take an active role in their health. Rejuve.AI is also exploring novel frontiers such as quantum biology to uncover new clues in the fight against aging.

Conclusion

DeSci is gaining momentum due to its advantages over traditional science, addressing issues like gatekeeping and lack of transparency. The sector spans diverse areas, including decentralized medicine and longevity research, offering innovative solutions to complex challenges.

However, DeSci is not without criticism. Some view it as a cash-grab, while others see it as overly ambitious or misinformed. These criticisms highlight that DeSci is still in its early stages of development.

Like any transformative movement, DeSci requires time to mature and build public trust. While the road ahead is long, it can become the future of science if it plays its cards right.