Sora Summit | Coinbase Founder Discusses DeSci! Why is Science Moving Towards Decentralization?

The Taipei Blockchain Week has reached its 6th day, with the Sora Summit organized by Sora Ventures following the main activities of the previous two days, continuing to provide attendees with high-quality speeches. The Sora Summit focuses on Bitcoin, decentralized science (DeSci), and NFTs as its main themes. The event kicked off with a speech by Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong on "Why the Future of Science is Decentralized?", sharing his thoughts on the future development of science.

Is the Threshold for Scientific Research Too High? How Can the General Public Participate in DeSci?

For those without a deep academic background, the process of scientific research may seem too complex and difficult to understand. How can the general public join the DeSci community and contribute?

In response to this, Armstrong used Satoshi Nakamoto as an example, stating that when Nakamoto published the Bitcoin whitepaper, it was not done in a traditional "journal" manner but rather made available online. Based on the Bitcoin whitepaper, a huge industry has emerged and had an impact on the financial market.

Armstrong believes that many groundbreaking scientific ideas are initially not valued, much like when Galileo proposed the heliocentric model, which was not initially accepted. However, in the course of scientific development, ideas come from various sources, not limited to highly educated scholars. Even those without the ability to publish papers can contribute to the scientific research process by helping gather data, conducting literature reviews, and writing articles.

At What Stage is DeSci Currently In?

Regarding the development of DeSci, Armstrong believes it is similar to product development, requiring continuous effort to create products that are more convenient and efficient for users.

Although DeSci is still in its early stages, many people have joined this field in the past year. As long as development continues and products are created, more people will be attracted to it.

Current Issues in the Scientific Field

In addition to sharing thoughts on DeSci, Armstrong also discussed issues in the scientific field. Many individuals who obtain a Ph.D. choose to enter the finance industry for better pay. However, in this zero-sum game industry, they are unable to bring value to societal progress.

For those who continue to contribute to the scientific field and make inventions that change society, their work does not make them wealthy because intellectual property (IP) is owned by academic institutions, and 99% of papers are not commercialized or read by those outside academia.

The ongoing development of DeSci can bring wealth to scientists. It is not because scientists want more money, but because they are truly changing society. With the wealth, they can continue to conduct other scientific research.

Make Scientists Cool Again!

Finally, Armstrong mentioned that if today's children were asked, "What is your dream job?" many would say they want to become a social media influencer, or an internet celebrity. Currently, the most followed accounts on social platforms are often singers or athletes.

Although there is a need for entertainment in society, scientists are also crucial as they can better change the world.

Through the development of DeSci, Armstrong hopes to "Make scientists cool again!"