Scientific research & publishing are gruelling tasks that extend outside the scope of science itself. Centralised publications abound in archaic practices that span from submitting a paper to getting it peer-reviewed and finally published, process which may take even up to years. In addition, research requires funding from very early stages of pursuing an idea, all the way to its finality (i.e. clinical trial or real-life applications). In TradSci (traditional science), funding is usually obtained once progress has already been achieved or when a startup has been formed.

DeSci (decentralised science) sets out to change this paradigm by funding early stage research via DAOs. When it comes to scientific publications, peer reviewing is also decentralised and incentivised, considerably speeding up the process. Moreover, contributions can be clearly retraced, avoiding false claims over IP, and the research itself becomes much more easily accessible and disseminated.

We were joined by Vincent Weisser & Laurence Ion, stewards of Vita DAO, to discuss the advantages of DeSci in general, and the progress of longevity research in particular.

Topics covered in this episode:

Vincent’s background and his interest in longevityLaurence’s background and his interest in biotechThe purpose of DeSciWhich science branch is better suited for DeSciHow DeSci fixes contribution acknowledgement & incentive misalignmentFrom research idea to startup via DeSci funding$VITA token utilityAccelerating scientific publishing via DeSciHow IP is attributed in a DeSci settingProject review and governance in Vita DAOEpisode links:

Vincent WeisserLaurence IonVita DAOMolecule DAOVita DAO projectsMoleculeBio DAO launchpadThe Longevity PrizeThe Longevity Decentralized ReviewThis episode is hosted by Friederike Ernst & Meher Roy. Show notes and listening options: epicenter.tv/488