Author: Anthony Chan, Shubham Kumar Source: Velocity Translation: Shan Oppa, Golden Finance

Introduction

In There are many stumbling blocks to innovation in the life cycle of scientific research. Take the research and development of new drugs as an example. The process is long and costly. It took an average of more than $2 billion and took 13 years, but 95% of the drugs ultimately failed in human trials. In addition, funding models for academic research disproportionately favor senior researchers, leaving innovative and non-traditional projects underfunded. At the same time, the pressure to “publish or perish” generates overly speculative and irreproducible findings, exacerbating systemic inequalities and marginalizing minority groups.

These systemic problems demonstrate the need for innovative solutions to democratize access to research funding, promote collaboration, and preserve the integrity of scientific discovery. This article focuses on two core questions:

1. Why is DeSci needed?

2. How can DeSci solve existing problems?

What is decentralized science (DeSci)?

Decentralized Science (DeSci) is an emerging movement that uses blockchain technology to solve core challenges in science. These challenges include funding shortages, lack of transparency and insufficient collaboration. Leveraging technologies such as tokens, NFTs, and decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs), DeSci aims to create a more open, community-driven ecosystem of incentivized scientific research.

DeSci supports a transparent funding model, peer review process and data sharing, eliminating the intervention of traditional middlemen. For example, projects like VitaDAO, Molecule, and AminoChain demonstrate how decentralized platforms can reshape how scientific research is funded, performed, and disseminated, while bridging the gap between basic research and clinical applications and ensuring ownership in data management and transparency.

Problem Statement

1. Inefficiency of the science funding system

The efficiency of the current science funding system Low, researchers have to spend 80% of their time applying for funding and only 20% of their time on actual research. If software developers also need to spend most of their time looking for funding, technological progress will slow down significantly. This outdated funding process also hinders scientific innovation.

The obstacles faced by young researchers are particularly prominent, and most resources go to senior scientists. This preference limits the promotion of novel and unconventional ideas, especially in underfunded areas. Furthermore, current centralized, conservative funding models tend to favor stale research directions rather than truly impactful and innovative projects.

2. Outdated scientific research infrastructure and fragmented data management

Existing science The research ecosystem is hampered by outdated infrastructure and fragmented data management platforms. For example, GitHub is used for code management and Dropbox is used for data storage. This siled storage limits collaboration. Additionally, many repositories fail to meet FAIR (Findable, Accessible, Interoperable, Reusable) standards, resulting in significant data loss. For example, data loss rates can be as high as 80% over 20 years due to link failure.

Intellectual property (IP) is often controlled by institutions rather than researchers themselves. This results in scientists losing control of their research efforts when changing institutions, leaving early data and informal collaboration unprotected. These issues, coupled with system incompatibilities and outdated tools (such as fax machines), hinder collaboration and slow down AI-driven research progress and scientific innovation.

3. Insufficient incentives for replicative research and unpaid peer review

Replicative research Essential for validating scientific findings, but has a lower priority in the journal. Research shows that approximately 70% of published studies cannot be replicated, exacerbating the “replication crisis.” Additionally, scientists engage in unpaid peer review work worth up to $1.5 billion per year, yet the process often lacks transparency and fairness. Solving the incentive mechanism problem will help improve the overall scientific research efficiency and effectiveness.

4. Oligopoly in the field of academic publishing

The global academic publishing market is dominated by the five major publishers Dominant, these companies account for about 50% of the market, with annual revenue of up to $19 billion and profit margins as high as 40%. This monopoly makes publishers the gatekeepers of knowledge, prioritizing profit over scientific value.

High publishing costs($2,000-$12,000 per article) creates significant barriers for underfunded researchers, especially scientists in developing countries. At the same time, individual access to articles costs $35-$50 per article, further limiting access to critical knowledge. These high costs and restrictions exacerbate inequalities in knowledge sharing, prioritizing wealthy institutions and regions while neglecting underfunded scientists and communities.

5. The "Valley of Death" in scientific research

Traditional drug development process is time-consuming It is also expensive. It usually takes 10-13 years from R&D to market, and costs more than 2 billion US dollars. Companies work in silos and lack global collaboration, resulting in duplication of effort and missed opportunities for joint solutions to diseases such as cancer.

A key obstacle in this process is the "Valley of Death" - the stage between basic research and commercialization. During this period, many promising projects required large amounts of capital to scale up, but faced funding shortages. With 95% of drugs failing in human trials, this funding gap acts as a barrier, preventing transformative innovations from reaching the market and benefiting society.

6. Lack of patient-centered model and data privacy protection in biomedical research

Thousands of people donate biological samples each year to advance medical research, but the current system excludes them from the lifetime of their contribution. Donors often sign a consent form without understanding how the sample will be used, leading to reduced trust and lower participation rates. At major institutions, donation consent rates are as low as 25%.

This problem is exacerbated by centralized systems that cannot track sample use or properly manage donor consent. Additionally, these systems are vulnerable to data breaches, compromising the security of sensitive information. This lack of transparency and security limits access to high-quality data, slows scientific progress, and hinders the development of life-saving treatments.

Solution

Decentralized Science (DeSci) solves major problems in the traditional scientific research system through blockchain technology, decentralized networks and new incentive mechanisms. challenge. DeSci's goal is to improve accessibility, transparency, funding mechanisms, and collaboration models in science. The following is an overview of how DeSci addresses key issues in the scientific community:

1. DAO: Collaborative governance that empowers scientific research

Decentralized Autonomous Organization(DAO) provides a decentralized, community-driven funding and decision-making framework for scientific research. By democratizing resource allocation, DAO enables scientists, investors, and other stakeholders to propose and vote on projects, creating a collaborative and transparent research environment.

Real-life case:

•BIO Protocol is a decentralized platform that helps the community fund and accelerate scientific research. Through blockchain technology, BIO supports the creation and funding of BioDAOs focused on specific medical challenges. These DAOs pool resources and expertise to drive innovation.

Success Stories:

•HairDAO: Developed Follicool, a consumer product to treat hair loss, and Get all patent support from DAO.

•CerebrumDAO: Raises $1.5M for brain health research, partnering with Fission Pharma to tackle neurodegenerative diseases.

•ValleyDAO: Focused on synthetic biology, raised $2 million and partnered with Imperial College London.

•AthenaDAO: Funding women’s health research, investing $500,000 and facilitating 14 intellectual property transactions.

•CryoDAO: Raises $3M to advance cryogenic technology research, partnering with Oxford Cryotech.

•Quantum Biology DAO: Led by MIT Ph.D., developing quantum microscopes opening possibilities for entirely new research.

•Long COVID Labs: Led by Stanford neuroscientists, accelerating Long COVID research to address the plight of millions of patients around the world.

2. Decentralized, durable and accessible research data

DeSci platform provides researchers with a secure, decentralized way to store data and manuscripts and research materials. Through blockchain technology, these platforms ensure long-term research resultsBe accessible and avoid problems such as "link failure". For example, DeSci Nodes provides decentralized storage, guaranteeing permanent and immutable access to research data.

In addition, the DeSci platform follows the FAIR data principles (findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable). This means that each dataset is accompanied by metadata that details how the data was generated, making it easy for other researchers to find and reuse. The integration of FAIR principles not only improves data accessibility, but also encourages collaboration and avoids duplication of research resources.

3. Incentive mechanism for replicative research and peer review

Currently, scientific research is facing a serious "replication crisis", and many studies cannot be repeatedly verified. DeSci solves this problem by offering rewards for replicating experiments or reviewing work. For example, ResearchHub, a platform backed by Coinbase founder Brian Armstrong, uses tokens to reward scientists for validating research, providing feedback and participating in peer reviews.

This mechanism provides financial incentives for researchers to verify research results and ensures that published research is more reliable. By encouraging collaboration and transparency, DeSci is solving this problem that has long plagued traditional science.

4. Open access and programmatic publishing

The DeSci platform eliminates traditional publishing walls by providing open access options, allowing scientists to share their research for free. For example, the DeSci Publish platform allows researchers to upload and disseminate research results without paying high publishing fees, thereby increasing the scope and impact of scientific discoveries.

In addition, programmatic publishing accelerates the process from research to publication and reduces the burden of manual submission. Automated tasks include: manuscript submission, formatting, peer review coordination, metadata generation, revision tracking, and distribution. This allows researchers to focus on research rather than tedious administrative work.

Real-life case:

•Etica Protocol is a decentralized science (DeSci) initiative that removes intellectual property (IP) restrictions and promotes open collaboration. Launched in April 2022, the protocol is based on blockchain technology and allows researchers to freely share discoveries and receive financial rewards throughout the research process. By bypassing traditional patent systems and restrictive licenses, Etica createsCreates a fair and efficient framework to accelerate innovation, ensure affordable treatments, and promote equitable access to medical advances.

Key features:

• Decentralized proposals: researchers submit submissions related to specific diseases Proposals are evaluated by voting on the blockchain by the community.

•Staking and voting: Token holders pledge Etica tokens (ETI) to vote. Correct voters will be rewarded, and incorrect voters will be punished. , ensuring accountability.

•Dynamic approval threshold: Adjust the proposal approval threshold based on voting patterns to balance fairness and rigor.

•Privacy and Transparency: A two-step voting system ensures privacy during voting and transparency after voting results.

Etica Protocol has made significant progress in advancing open source medical research, with a particular focus on disease areas that affect millions of people around the world:

•Cancer, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes: Accelerate the development of solutions to these major health problems.

•Parkinson’s disease and ALS: Innovative research supporting neurodegenerative diseases.

•Malaria and silicosis: Addressing global health challenges, especially occupational lung diseases.

•Cystic Fibrosis and Addiction: Expanding into areas of medical unmet need.

•Longevity research and basic research: Explore possibilities for extending lifespan and solving basic scientific questions.

These examples demonstrate the real-world impact of Etica and encourage more people to get involved to advance equitable and affordable healthcare solutions.

5. IP-NFTs: Empowering Researchers and Protecting Ownership

Decentralized Science (DeSci) is introducing transparent and efficient innovation funding, management and ownership framework, subverting the traditional model of scientific research, just as blockchain revolutionizes the financial system. Through IP-NFTs (Intellectual Property Non-Fungible Generation)currency) and DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization), DeSci solves the "Valley of Death" problem in scientific research - this is the funding gap between basic research and commercialization, and many promising projects are stranded due to lack of funds. . DAO gives researchers direct access to a global funding network, bypassing traditional barriers and providing early-stage projects with the resources they need to scale. This decentralized approach not only accelerates innovation, it also democratizes funding, driving global collaboration and scientific progress.

IP-NFTs are at the core of this change. Built on Ethereum, they integrate legal contracts, smart contracts, and encrypted private data stored on decentralized platforms such as Arweave and Filecoin. By tokenizing research projects, IP-NFTs provide efficient funding, transparent governance, and collective ownership, both empowering researchers and ensuring equitable access to scientific progress.

Key advantages of IP-NFTs

• Liquidity: Researchers can sell IP directly -NFTs to raise research funds while potentially earning significant financial returns.

•Open access and control: IP-NFTs can be combined with an open access model to ensure that research is open to the public while maintaining ownership rights.

Actual case

Molecule is a leading platform using IP-NFTs to revolutionize scientific research funding . By tokenizing intellectual property, Molecule enables researchers to raise funds directly from a global community of investors, patients, and enthusiasts.

•Raising: Raising over $30 million through the Molecule ecosystem to support decentralized scientific research.

•Funded projects: 29 research projects covering rare diseases, quantum biology and other fields.

• Community size: 15,700+ members, including scientists, investors, and advocates.

•Direct investment: $1.95 million for cutting-edge research projects that drive significant progress in underfunded areas.

VitaDAO exemplifies the transformative potential of IP-NFTs in scientific research, decentralizing funding and governance through blockchain technology. VitaDAO has deployed over $4.2 million, funded 24 research projects, and evaluated over 200 project, driving collaboration and transparency while making progress in groundbreaking longevity science for its 600 years. The $10,000 liquidity reserve demonstrates how decentralized mechanisms can efficiently support innovative research and drive progress in key scientific fields.

Examples of projects funded through IP-NFTs.

1. Discover new autophagy activators

•Laboratory: Korolchuk, University of Newcastle Lab

•Focus: Identification of compounds that can restore the autophagy function of senescent cells and address the cell recycling mechanisms associated with aging and disease.

•Funding amount: $285,000

2. Matrix Bio: longevity biotechnology inspired by naked mole rats

•Lab: Gorbunova Lab

•Focus: Developing therapies based on high molecular weight hyaluronic acid to exploit its anti-cancer and longevity-promoting properties.

•Amount funded: $300,000< /p>

3.The Longevity Molecule

•Lab: Scheibye-Knudsen Lab

•Focus: Using machine learning analysis 1.04 billion prescriptions in search of drugs that could extend human life

•Amount funded: $537,000

4.ApoptoSENS: Anti-aging CAR-NK cells

•Focus: DevelopmentCAR-NK cells to eliminate senescent cells and fight age-related diseases.

•Funding amount: US$253,000

5. New type of Alzheimer's disease Mitophagy activator

•Lab: Fang Lab

•Focus: Using AI Identifying drug candidates that restore mitophagy could potentially address Alzheimer's disease and other age-related diseases.

•Funding amount: US$300,000

6. Using geroscience to reverse periodontal disease

Lab: An Lab

Focus: Testing compounds targeting inflammation to treat age-related associated periodontitis and improve human health.

Funding: $330,000

7. ARTAN Bio: Mutation-specific targeting of aging and longevity Sex Codon Inhibition

Company: ARTAN Bio

Focus: Developing targets for age-related Interventions for nonsense mutations in diseases and cancers.

Funding: $91,300

6. Decentralized Solutions in Biomedicine

DeSci Providing revolutionary solutions in biomedical research that put patients and donors at the center. Through blockchain technology, DeSci ensures that donors retain control over their biological samples, can understand how their contributions are being used, and even receive financial benefits when the samples are commercialized. This approach enhances trust and encourages participation. At the same time, decentralized systems provide greater security for sensitive data, ensuring that data is stored safely and is only accessed with appropriate permissions. By replacing centralized repositories with the transparency and immutability of blockchain, DeSci protects privacy and accelerates the progress of biomedical research.

AminoChain: Transforming biomedical research with DeSci

AminoChain is connecting medical institutions and empowering patients by creating a decentralized platform , thereby transforming biomedical research, AminoChain received $7 million in funding, of which $5 million came from seed round investments from a16z crypto and Cercano

The core product is Amino Node, a software package that integrates with existing healthcare systems such as EMRs and inventory management tools. Amino Node standardizes data into a common format while ensuring that the data is securely stored on the institution's servers. By By coordinating data across the network, AminoChain facilitates patient-centric application development and drives collaboration among healthcare organizations.

One ​​key application is Specimen. Center, a peer-to-peer marketplace for biospecimens. Researchers can search and request samples from biobanks while remaining compliant and tracking sample provenance. Donors can not only track their samples, but also access the research results generated by their contributions. , and gain financial rewards when samples are commercialized, thereby enhancing trust and participation

AminoChain. The highlight is to embed bioethics deeply into core operations, prioritizing transparency and patient benefit sharing, while optimizing research and collaboration in the biomedical community

The future of decentralized science: a revolution in science funding

Since 2023, more than 7 professional DAOs have been established, a total of more than 2,000 projects have been evaluated, and more than 70 million US dollars in funding have been distributed through on-chain channels. These DAOs Involving many fields, including psychedelic research, hair loss treatment, cryogenic technology, neuroscience and cutting-edge quantum biology

Even if it is currently only 0.5%. The project has been funded and its impact is already significant. For example, more than 3,000 ETH has been deployed to support the development of five to six new drugs. The first real-life product is a high-dose spermidine supplement launched by VitaDAO and has been approved by the Thai FDA. Approval, demonstrating concrete results of this revolutionary funding model

Promising new DeSci projects

DeS.The potential of ci is further demonstrated with some exciting new projects:

•Curetopia

Aiming to address more than 10,000 rare genetic diseases, Curetopia brings patients directly into the heart of research by uniting patient groups and populations. By putting patients at the center of research, Curetopia is redefining the way rare diseases are treated.

•Quantum Biology DAO

By accelerating research in quantum biology, Quantum Biology DAO promotes Community building, open governance, and innovative experimentation. The goal is to understand and manipulate biology at the quantum level, opening the door to entirely new scientific breakthroughs.

Major players supporting DeSci

The importance of DeSci has attracted the attention of major players in the blockchain space. Binance Labs has made a significant investment in BIO Protocol, which is pioneering a collaborative platform for global scientists, patients, and investors to co-fund and co-own groundbreaking biomedical research. BIO Protocol focuses on key areas such as rare diseases, longevity and mental health, while incubating multiple BioDAOs to accelerate patient-centric innovation.

Industry leaders such as Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin and Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao (CZ) also expressed support and participated in the DeSci event in Bangkok. Their participation highlights DeSci’s transformative potential to revolutionize science funding and research globally.

DeSci continues to push the boundaries of the Ethereum ecosystem. PumpDotScience, powered by Solana, is pushing the boundaries of decentralized science. Powered by the Solana Foundation, PumpDotScience allows users to view real-time research experiments and tokenize longevity compounds. This innovative approach drove its rapid success. After DevCon, its token prices exploded: $RIF reached a market cap of $106 million, while $URO rose to $39 million.

Decentralized scienceThe market is growing rapidly, with trading volume exceeding $25 million and a total market capitalization of $1.2 billion. For example, $RSC, backed by Coinbase founder Brian Armstrong’s ResearchHub, and DeSci tokens like $VITA and $HAIR have all shown impressive growth. These numbers reflect investor confidence and interest in DeSci's potential to reshape the scientific landscape.

A New Era of Science: The DeSci Revolution

Decentralized Science (DeSci) is bringing groundbreaking changes to how science is funded, conducted, and shared. Backed by industry giants like Binance and visionaries like Vitalik Buterin, DeSci is more than a technological innovation—it’s a movement to democratize science and solve humanity’s critical challenges.

Projects such as BIO Protocol, Curetopia, and Quantum Biology DAO demonstrate the potential for real breakthroughs, while cross-chain collaborations also extend DeSci's influence beyond Ethereum Platforms such as Solana. This isn’t just about blockchain speculation, it’s about curing disease, accelerating discovery, and making innovation within reach for everyone.

DeSci is driving science toward an open, collaborative, and inclusive future. This is not a passing trend, but the beginning of a profound change in the way we achieve progress. This movement is gathering strength and signals that a truly major change in human development is on the horizon.