DeSci, or Decentralized Science, uses blockchain and other decentralized technologies to change how scientific data is created, shared, and validated. It challenges long-standing barriers such as restricted access, high paywalls, and institutional gatekeeping.
By making science more transparent and open to all, DeSci empowers independent researchers, encourages collaboration, and invites the public to actively participate in scientific discovery.
In 2023, DeSci was mostly in its early stages, with a handful of projects experimenting with blockchain-enabled research funding and decentralized data sharing. Fast forward to 2024, and we’re seeing a boom.
We now have over 150 active DeSci projects attracting more than $200 million in combined funding. This year, there has been a shift from experimental ideas to actual implementation, with practical use cases emerging, from decentralized healthcare data networks to robust infrastructure projects that support community-led scientific collaboration. DeSci is not just about theory anymore—it's about practical, real-world applications that are reshaping how we think about and do science.
The DeSci ecosystem in 2024 features a diverse range of projects that are fundamentally transforming how research is conducted and shared. Let’s explore the main categories that are driving this movement.
Healthcare data networks are at the heart of DeSci’s impact on personalized health. These projects make it possible to securely collect, share, and analyze medical data—including genetic information—while giving individuals full control over how their data is used. This approach not only enhances privacy but also makes healthcare more participatory and equitable, empowering people to contribute to medical advancements directly.
Leading Projects:
Research DAOs are decentralized communities that unite researchers, funders, and supporters around shared scientific interests. These DAOs use blockchain to democratize decision-making, allowing members to vote on what projects get funded and how resources are allocated.
By decentralizing governance, they ensure transparency and foster a more inclusive approach to scientific exploration, making it easier for everyone to have a say in the direction of research.
Leading Projects:
Open publishing platforms aim to make scientific knowledge widely accessible by breaking away from the restrictive model of traditional journals. These platforms enable faster dissemination of findings, encourage interactive peer reviews, and invite open collaboration.
Data of research is stored on blockchain to make it to be on-chain permanence. By giving more people access to research data, they accelerate innovation and help keep the entire process transparent and accountable.
Leading Projects in this area:
Funding and IP platforms offer new ways to support scientific research through community-driven funding models. These platforms use blockchain to democratize the funding landscape, allowing anyone to contribute directly to projects in return for a stake in the potential outcomes. This model enables more diverse research to be funded, especially projects that might not receive traditional financial backing.
Leading Projects:
DeSci infrastructure projects build the backbone of the entire decentralized science movement. They provide secure, scalable, and interoperable systems that allow other DeSci projects to flourish. These solutions simplify the process of research collaboration by taking care of the technical and backend complexities, leaving researchers to focus on their scientific work.
Leading Projects:
DeSci communities are the lifeblood of the movement. These grassroots groups bring together people from all over the world—researchers, developers, and supporters—who are passionate about decentralized science. By organizing events, workshops, and hackathons, these communities foster collaboration, generate new ideas, and promote the adoption of DeSci practices globally.
Leading Communities:
The DeSci movement is rapidly evolving, and the progress we’re seeing in 2024 is just the beginning. With more funding, growing public interest, and support from influential industry players, the future of science looks promising—more equitable, more transparent, and more accessible.
Platforms like MuhdoHub, VitaDAO, Molecule, SCINET, and new initiatives such as DeSciNodes and AthenaDAO are already pushing boundaries, making science accessible to more people.
By enabling secure healthcare data networks, supporting community-led research, and decentralizing data storage, these projects are breaking down traditional barriers and building a more inclusive scientific future. DeSci is about empowering individuals to not only engage with science but to actively shape it.
The future of science is here, and it’s decentralized. Let’s embrace it together.
