Most students learn about the scientific method from a very young age. Now there is a new scientific method that many may not be aware of: crowdfunding.
Crowdfunding, sometimes referred to as crowdsourcing, is a process that has recently been used in different fields of science and is similar to fundraising. Scientists propose ideas for their own topics of scientific study, and then attempt to raise money by the general public for small donations, instead of applying for grants.
Walter Weare, a chemistry professor, is taking part in the #SciFund Challenge—a massive experiment attempting to crowdfund basic science. Upon viewing participant’s proposals on #SciFund, anyone can give donations to any scientist or project that sparks their interest on RocketHub.com . The #SciFund Challenge is very much like a kick starter campaign.
“Trying to crowdsource basic science has, so far, met limited success,” Weare said. “The reason for that is because it focuses less on the general audience and more with the leaders of scientific subjects. RocketHub is a site for the general audience who is interested in seeing results right away. Anyone can make an investment on a project and then follow up on it later.”
Methods like this have been used in many other fields, like music and journalism, but now the science community is picking up on the trend.
Weare’s project focuses on storing solar energy. He joined the #SciFund Challenge in August, and his campaign ends on Dec. 15. He made a proposal for $500 and so far has received $800.
“It’s nice to raise money and it is important for us to do so for science,” Weare said. “As basic scientists, it’s important for us to get our ideas out and to communicate with other scientists, as well as the broader public in general.”
There are currently 50 proposals on #SciFund, three of which are from N.C . State. Professor Weare submitted his proposal and there are two more from Professor Rob Dunn for biology. Though #SciFund if focusing on raising benefits for scientific research projects, any project that can connect with the general public can partner with RocketHub since the site is not science exclusive.
The major problem with scientific crowdfunding is advertising. As a fundraising program, it is difficult for RocketHub to spread the news about the goals it is trying to achieve.
“With many other projects and ideas in the science community, I’m unsure how they can effectively advertise crowdfunding,” Keith Partlow, sophomore in chemical engineering, said. “Other than the advertising issue, this sounds like a great idea because a lot of science projects nowadays are covered by government grants. With this new idea, people can just be enchanted by the project proposals and give money to it, rather than the government footing the bill.”
Though advertising may prove to be a challenge for the crowdfunding event, there are nonetheless many supporters willing to donate money for these projects. Professor Weare is $300 over his initial goal. While there may be a lack of advertising, people are catching on, which can only benefit this crowdfunding program even more.
Weare said he couldn’t stress the importance of a scientific crowdfunding source like RocketHub enough. Donations from anyone in the general public can advance technology in ways like never before. According to Weare, that is a part of what science is all about.