The Max Planck Decentralized Science Initiative: DeSci Connect

Mission 

The Max Planck Decentralized Science Initiative – DeSci Connect is dedicated to reshape the future of science by integrating Web3 paradigms into the scientific realm.

By harnessing the power of blockchain technology, including cryptographic tokens (such as NFTs), decentralized governance, and self-sovereignty, Decentralized Science (DeSci) is transforming the landscape of scientific research and collaboration. It promotes democracy through decentralized governance structures, allowing for more democratic decision-making processes in scientific communities.Blockchain technology can ensure transparent and secure data sharing and research findings, enhancing collaboration and trust. DeSci encourages the development of innovative tools and nurtures a mindset shift towards open, collaborative, and equitable research practices.

The Max Planck Decentralized Science Initiatives ultimate goal is to create a more inclusive, transparent, and efficient scientific ecosystem for all.

Initiative

In a rapidly evolving landscape, key players in science — researchers, publishers, funders, and investors — are exploring the DeSci movement. Whereas, traditional research organizations face the risk of being left behind.

The Max Planck Decentralized Science Initiative is poised to bridge this gap by serving as a bidirectional information flow and influence conduit.

On one hand, the initiative will actively engage with the DeSci movement to understand and shape its impact on the scientific community. We aim to influence and guide the movement's trajectory by staying at the forefront of decentralized science developments.On the other hand, we will provide strategic advice to MPG management and researchers, highlighting potential new DeSci tools and methodologies that could enhance their scientific outcomes. By integrating these innovative approaches, we aim to empower researchers to achieve greater transparency, collaboration, and efficiency in their work.

Through this dual approach, the Max Planck Decentralized Science Initiative seeks to ensure that the Max Planck Society remains a leader in scientific innovation and continues to thrive in the decentralized science era.

Activities

Collaborations

Investigate new concepts of DeSci within, and outside the MPG: like the interlink with MPG Open Science activities and collaborating on blockchain driven micropublishing with the University College London.

  • Open Science: In the context of Decentralized Science, Open Science plays a crucial role in fostering transparency, accessibility, and collaboration. By integrating Open Science principles, we aim to break down barriers to knowledge sharing, allowing researchers to freely access and contribute to scientific data and findings. This approach not only democratizes access to information but also enhances the reproducibility and reliability of research through open peer review and data sharing practices.
  • SciBoost Project: The SciBoost – Decentral Continuous Publication project aims to revolutionize how research findings are shared and accessed. It enhances openness in the scientific community by providing a transparent, accountable, and decentralized system, ensuring that all research findings, including minor and negative results, are accessible and continuously updated. This collaboration marks a significant milestone in merging traditional and decentralized science methods, with MPG and UCL leading the charge.

DeSci Germanydesci logo horizontal rgb box

DeSci Germany is dedicated to applying Web3 principles to the scientific community, aiming to address potential gaps in the system and foster a new mindset in science. As a central hub and connector for DeSci initiatives in Germany, we are committed to advancing this cause and serving as a key anchor point for the global DeSci movement. Including building up a Knowledge Base for decentralized scientific collaboration and blockchain-driven projects from Germany, such as

  • bloxberg 
    A blockchain-based infrastructure for scientific collaboration and verification. It aims to provide a secure, decentralized ledger for recording and verifying research data, ensuring the integrity and authenticity of scientific contributions.
  • OpenSci
    An initiative designed to make scientific research more open, transparent, and accessible. OpenSci promotes the democratization of scientific knowledge, making it freely available for everyone, enhancing reproducibility and collaboration across the globe.
  • SAIRA
    A decentralized platform for sharing and funding scientific research projects. SAIRA enables researchers to connect with potential funders and contributors, bypassing traditional funding bottlenecks, and offering a more equitable distribution of resources for innovative research.

Read more about DeSci Germany in the DeSci Germany Lightpaper.

Inform & Exchange

The Max Planck Decentralized Science Initiative will function as a dynamic two-way channel for the exchange of scientific information and influence. By actively engaging with the DeSci movement, the initiative aims to understand and shape its impact on the scientific landscape. Additionally, it will offer consultancy to MPG management and researchers, advising on innovative DeSci tools and methodologies that have the potential to enhance their scientific outcomes.

Contact

Head of the Max Planck Decentralized Science Initiative
Friederike Kleinfercher

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