DeSci: Reducing Costs and Enhancing Fairness in Scientific Publishings

The blockchain-based DeSci model addresses challenges in academic publishing, such as high costs and inefficient peer review processes.

The academic publishing industry faces significant challenges, particularly in terms of costs and peer review processes.

Studies show that the calculated (opportunity) costs in person-hours, given freely by researchers to conduct peer reviews, equate to billions of dollars annually. Experts agree that peer review is vital, but current practices inadequately acknowledge the time spent maintaining scientific standards. Moreover, the peer review process still lacks efficiency, fairness, and transparency.

A survey on peer review found that traditional peer review models —often anonymous and confidential— have been criticized as slow, unaccountable and potentially biased. Industry leaders advocate for open peer review, which enhances transparency and increases accountability by revealing reviewer identities.

Blockchain technology is emerging as a transformative solution for the academic publishing industry. Its decentralized structure ensures that every academic submission, review and publication is immutably recorded, enhancing transparency and security. Blockchain technology automates and secures transactions, reducing operational costs and barriers. This increased efficiency makes scientific knowledge more accessible by streamlining processes and ensuring data integrity. Furthermore, by lowering operational barriers, blockchain democratizes the field for researchers worldwide, enabling more equitable participation and collaboration.

DeSci: A New Paradigm in Scientific Publishing

Decentralized science (DeSci), a blockchain-based model, has the potential to rectify the long-standing inefficiencies and inequities in traditional scientific publishing. The DeSci model offers a system where every research finding and publication is kept in an immutable ledger, ensuring the authenticity and permanence of scientific knowledge.

DeSci platforms democratize access for all researchers by eliminating discriminatory practices that have historically favoured research from prestigious institutions or specific geographic regions. With the DeSci model, scientists from various backgrounds and stages of their careers can contribute to global knowledge without facing prohibitive costs or bias. This fair model is achieved by leveraging DeSci, which reduces publication fees, enhances transparency in peer review and ensures equitable access to research funding and resources.

Moreover, the DeSci model streamlines the publishing process by eliminating traditional bottlenecks, significantly reducing the time from manuscript submission to publication while maintaining strict peer review standards. This efficiency is critical in a world where timely access to scientific findings can influence public policy, healthcare and technological innovation.

DeSci platforms not only make scientific publishing more accessible by reducing publication costs and simplifying the process, but they also increase trust and collaboration within the academic community by guaranteeing the integrity and transparency of published research.

Streamlining the Submission and Review Process

As a DeSci platform, NobleBlocks streamlines publication processes by enhancing efficiency and transparency.

In NobleBlocks, authors upload their manuscripts using an easy-to-navigate dashboard, entering key details about their research and paying a small fee with the platform’s native token, NOBL. This innovative use of blockchain technology simplifies the initial submission, aligning incentives for all parties involved.

Once manuscripts are submitted, editors are notified and select potential candidates based on preliminary assessments of scientific merit and relevance. The selection process is quick and transparent, ensuring that only the most promising research moves forward.

Selected reviewers are given access to the manuscript and all relevant materials. They evaluate the manuscript for scientific soundness, quality and potential audience impact. The editor decides whether to accept or decline the manuscript for publication, after reviewing the recommendations provided by the reviewers. The editor may also request revisions and communicate with the author on how to proceed with the necessary changes.

The peer review process at NobleBlocks is exceptionally efficient. It is facilitated by a smart filtering system that helps editors match manuscripts with the most suitable reviewers. Reviewers are compensated with tokens for completing reviews while maintaining the review process’s quality and integrity.

Upon manuscript acceptance, the final steps include copyediting and formatting, supported by a further token transaction. In this step, the draft is carefully reviewed before being published on the blockchain and remaining permanently accessible.

The token-based system ensures a robust academic community where high-quality and timely reviews are the norm. It fosters continuous engagement and promotes top-tier work throughout the platform.

Revolutionizing Research with NobleBlocks

NobleBlocks reduces the financial barriers associated with publishing, welcoming contributions from a diverse range of scientific disciplines. This inclusive approach fosters a vibrant academic community rich with varied perspectives and groundbreaking research. NobleBlocks also leverages a tokenized reward system that further incentivizes the community of authors, reviewers and editors. This system ensures that all stakeholders are rewarded for their contributions, enhancing engagement and promoting high-quality research and science.

As it continues to expand, NobleBlocks invites researchers, academics and innovators from around the globe to join this transformative journey. By participating in NobleBlocks, stakeholders are not only part of a pioneering venture in scientific publishing but also champions of a more open, accessible and democratic research environment.